Real Madrid GFX

Xabi Alonso's men made hard work of the result, but did enough to beat the Bundesliga giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.-- Kylian Mbappe delivered in dramatic fashion, as the French star scored what would be the eventual game-winner in extra time with an overhead kick from a corner to seal a 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarterfinals.

Gonzalo Garcia continued his hot streak, and Fran Garcia showed why Real Madrid might not need a new left-back, as Los Blancos saw off Borussia Dortmund 3-2 to book a spot in the Club World Cup semi-final. Xabi Alonso's side scored twice within the first 20 minutes and made things complicated in the final five. They seemed to be cruising until second-half stoppage time when two Dortmund goals - either side of a Mbappe's wondergoal - led them to a nervy 3-2 win.

Madrid didn't need long to build an early lead. Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a well-worked move, the academy product side-footing past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel for a 1-0 lead. Within minutes, they were humming. Fran Garcia made it two after 20 minutes, ghosting into the box unmarked to tap home Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross. Jude Bellingham might have made it three shortly after but put his shot wide after a lovely flowing move.

They rather took their foot off the gas as the game wore on. That is, of course, some credit to Dortmund, who were sturdier at the back and more dangerous on the break. Aurelien Tchouameni almost made it three on the hour mark, but his curled effort only rattled the bar. And then the problems started. Max Beier battered home to make it 2-1. Mbappe responded two minutes later with his goal. But Dortmund stayed in it when Serhou Guirassy converted from the spot after he was brought down by Dean Huijsen - who was shown his marching orders. A late save from Thibaut Courtois as time expired secured the victory.

Perhaps this wasn't the lopsided scoreline it might have been, but it's the win that counts. PSG await in the semi-final, which will undoubtedly be a far more intense affair.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from MetLife Stadium...

Dean Huijsen Real Madrid 2025

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Could do nothing about either goal, and made a remarkable save as time expired.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

Set up the second Madrid goal thanks to a signature cut-back. Subbed after an hour or so.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

Went about his 1v1 work effectively. Kept Serhou Guirassy quiet.

Dean Huijsen (5/10):

A composed showing for 90 minutes. Got sent off in second half stoppage time.

Fran Garcia (8/10):

Took his goal well - his first since May 2024. Scampered up and down the wing. Madrid are supposedly in the hunt for a left-sided defender. On this evidence, they don't need one.

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid 2024-25

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (8/10):

More defensive midfielder than centre-back as Xabi Alonso continues to tweak his formation. Turned in a really good performance at the base of midfield and was unlucky not to score.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Ran tirelessly, created a couple of chances, and covered well for Alexander-Arnold.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Enjoyed some nice marauding runs forward, and linked up with Alexander-Arnold well. A good hour, all said.

Gonzalo Garcia Real Madrid 2024-25

Attack

Arda Guler (8/10):

Floated around the attacking third, creating chances and finding all of the pockets of space. Assisted the Madrid opener.

Gonzalo Garcia (8/10):

Scored a really nice goal and was a pest throughout. The fact that he stayed on when Vini went off indicated that Alonso might want him in the XI long-term.

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Stretched the defence with his pace, and almost scored a ridiculous goal in the first half. Faded in the second and was subbed after an hour.

Subs & Manager

Luka Modric (6/10):

Did some nice things on the ball, and caused problems. A summer stroll, all said.

Kylian Mbappe (6/10):

Ran in behind, found spaces, but never created a clear look for himself, until of course, he scored Madrid's winner. Still, his role in this system remains unclear.

QUE GOLAZO!!!! 🎯 MBAPPÉ GOES AIRBORNE! HE'S BACK!Overhead kick. Back of the net. Instant classic.Superstar stuff from Kylian. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/lx646RuR5w

Dani Ceballos (6/10):

Moved the ball well.

Raul Asencio (N/A):

No time to make an impact

Rodrygo (N/A):

No time to make an impact

Xabi Alonso (7/10):

A rollercoaster of emotions. Madrid were excellent for 30 minutes, good for 60, and then frantic for the last five. He will have wanted more control here.