Real Madrid Advance to Club World Cup Semi-Final After Narrow Win Over Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid secured a place in the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, though a tense final 10 minutes nearly cost them victory. Kylian Mbappé, facing his former club in the next round, delivered a spectacular acrobatic goal, contributing to the 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund.
Xabi Alonso’s side appeared in full control for most of the match until a frantic stoppage-time sequence put their lead at risk. A crucial save from Thibaut Courtois in the dying moments ensured the victory. The chaotic finish also saw defender Dean Huijsen sent off late for a foul on Serhou Guirassy, ruling him out of the semi-final.
Real Madrid's dominance was evident early on, with Gonzalo García netting the opener—his fourth goal of the tournament. Left-back Fran García, unrelated, doubled the lead with his first goal in 52 appearances this season.
While the closing minutes will be remembered by the 76,611 fans at MetLife Stadium, filling it to 93% capacity, the overall performance across 90 minutes showcased the potential of Alonso’s squad for the season ahead.
The former Bayer Leverkusen manager took charge after Carlo Ancelotti’s final, underwhelming season, facing an immediate test with the Club World Cup beginning just over two weeks later. Such an early major tournament after a managerial change is unusual, but Alonso embraced the challenge.
“It’s an opportunity for two reasons,” he said. “First, it helps us accelerate progress, learn our strengths quickly. Second, it’s a chance to compete for another trophy. Combining both can set a strong foundation.”
The strategy has paid off. Real Madrid’s blend of youth and experience has been instrumental in their tournament run, putting them within reach of the final.
Gonzalo García and Fran García, both academy graduates, underscored the importance of homegrown talent, proving influential beyond their goals. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Arda Guler, who assisted the first goal, demonstrated the team’s ability to transition smoothly post-Luka Modric, while Huijsen anchored the defense effectively alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Read next
Andreeva's French Open victory highlights the impact of Martínez and women coaches
Conchita Martínez was describing her player’s journey to a maiden grand-slam title when Mirra Andreeva interrupted. Accompanied by officials and a staff member holding the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, the new French Open champion entered the room to cause mischief.
Andreeva asked, “What is the best thing about working with Mirra
Lewis Hamilton confident he is nearing first victory with Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton believes a victory for Ferrari is possible following his second-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The seven-time champion is determined to pursue Kimi Antonelli, the current Formula One leader who secured another win in Monte Carlo.
Driving for Mercedes, Antonelli dominated the race, maintaining his lead through
Hodgkinson: Shock loss will fuel my pursuit of 800m world record this summer
In a dramatic event in Stockholm, Audrey Werro recorded the fastest 800m time seen since the Cold War era, defeating Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. Werro finished in 1min 53.98sec, marking the third fastest time in history. She now trails only Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 1983 world record of 1:53.