Real Madrid secured a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals after a thrilling 3-2 victory against Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 5, 2025. The match, a repeat of the 2024 Champions League final, lived up to its billing with a dramatic finish that saw three goals scored in stoppage time.

Real Madrid dominated the first 90 minutes, with Gonzalo García opening the scoring in the 10th minute with his fourth goal of the tournament, thanks to an assist from Arda Güler. Fran García doubled the lead just ten minutes later, capitalizing on a clever play by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Despite the 2-0 advantage, Dortmund fought back in added time. Maximilian Beier scored in the 93rd minute, giving Dortmund a glimmer of hope. However, Kylian Mbappé responded immediately with a stunning bicycle kick to restore Real Madrid's two-goal lead. The drama continued as Dean Huijsen fouled Serhou Guirassy inside the box, resulting in a penalty for Dortmund and a red card for Huijsen. Guirassy converted the penalty, but Real Madrid held on for the win, thanks to a crucial save by Thibaut Courtois in the final moments of the game.

The victory means Real Madrid will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, setting up a heavyweight European clash. The match is scheduled to take place on Wednesday. In the other semi-final, Chelsea will play against Brazilian club Fluminense on Tuesday.

Real Madrid's new coach, Xabi Alonso, made a bold decision to start Gonzalo García over Mbappé, who was still regaining fitness after an illness. García's early goal justified Alonso's decision. Mbappé entered the game in the 67th minute, replacing Jude Bellingham, who missed the opportunity to play against his brother, Jobe, due to the latter's suspension.

The game attracted a crowd of 76,611 fans to MetLife Stadium, which will also host the World Cup final next year. Real Madrid has a strong record against Dortmund, remaining unbeaten in their last seven encounters since 2014.

With a place in the Club World Cup final at stake, Real Madrid's upcoming match against PSG promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe's top teams.