Kylian Mbappe delivered a moment of pure brilliance to help Real Madrid overcome a spirited Borussia Dortmund 3-2 and book their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
In a high-octane clash held in [Insert stadium name if known], Xabi Alonso’s Madrid side stormed into an early 2-0 lead but nearly let it slip before Mbappe’s stunning bicycle kick sealed the deal in extra time.
Early Dominance From Madrid
Real Madrid came out firing. Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a flowing move and precise build-up play. Fran Garcia then made it 2-0 just ten minutes later, slotting home from a Trent Alexander-Arnold assist after arriving unmarked at the far post.
Madrid nearly extended their lead before halftime, with Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni both threatening—Tchouameni even rattling the crossbar with a long-range strike.
Dortmund’s Late Surge
Though Madrid looked in control, Borussia Dortmund refused to back down. The Bundesliga side gained confidence in the second half and eventually found a breakthrough. Max Beier pulled one back in stoppage time, converting after sustained pressure.
The goal sent the match into extra time, giving Dortmund a lifeline. But just as momentum appeared to shift, Kylian Mbappe silenced any doubts with a jaw-dropping overhead kick in the 94th minute—restoring Madrid’s two-goal cushion in emphatic fashion.
Late Drama and Courtois Heroics
Real Madrid’s night took a dramatic turn when Dean Huijsen brought down Serhou Guirassy in the box, earning a straight red card and gifting Dortmund a penalty. Guirassy made no mistake from the spot, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
Dortmund pressed hard in the closing minutes, but Thibaut Courtois came to the rescue with a crucial save to deny an equalizer—preserving the win and securing Madrid’s place in the semi-finals, where they’ll now face Paris Saint-Germain.
