Kylian Mbappe produced a brilliant moment in extra time to secure Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to seal a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso’s side looked in control after early strikes from Gonzalo Garcia and Fran Garcia gave Los Blancos a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes.
But a late form from Dortmund, combined with defensive lapses and a red card for Dean Huijsen, nearly saw the Spanish giants squander their advantage.
Real Madrid started brightly. Gonzalo Garcia continued his fine form, opening the scoring in the 10th minute following a slick passing move.
Ten minutes later, Fran Garcia doubled the lead, arriving unmarked to convert a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni came close to extending Madrid’s lead, with the latter rattling the crossbar.
However, Dortmund grew into the match, eventually pulling one back through Max Beier in second-half stoppage time.
Mbappe responded almost immediately in extra time, acrobatically converting a corner with a stunning bicycle kick to restore Madrid’s two-goal cushion.
But the Bundesliga side refused to fold. Serhou Guirassy converted from the penalty spot after being brought down by Huijsen, who received a straight red card.
Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save in the dying moments to preserve the result.
Real Madrid advance to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final.