Real Madrid’s young striker Gonzalo Garcia scored his fourth goal of the Club World Cup, while Kylian Mbappe netted his first in the tournament, as the Spanish giants overcame Borussia Dortmund 3-2 on Saturday.
The victory sets up a tantalising semi-final clash with European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Fran Garcia, 21, puts Madrid ahead early at the MetLife Stadium near New York City, tapping in from close range after a precise cross from Arda Guler.
He doubled the lead before the midway point of the first half with a neat finish following a slick build-up involving full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham.
Though Dortmund fought hard, they struggled to mount a serious comeback until the final moments.
Maximilian Beier pulled a goal back in stoppage time before Mbappe sealed the win with a spectacular overhead kick—his 44th goal of the season. A late penalty by Serhou Guirassy, awarded after Real’s Dean Huijsen was sent off, made the scoreline closer, but the hosts held on.
“Everything was under control for most of the match, but the last 10 minutes were a bit crazy,” said Real coach Xabi Alonso. “We lost a little shape and intensity, but overall it was a solid 80 minutes with room to improve.”
Mbappe, who had missed all group-stage matches due to illness, is expected to start for the first time when Real face his former club PSG in the semi-finals at the same venue on Wednesday.
“It will be a great challenge to face PSG, but we take positives from today and look forward to the next game,” Alonso added.
The winner of that tie will enter the final as favourites for the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup title, with Chelsea and Fluminense contesting the other semi-final.
The match drew a crowd of 76,611 and served as a repeat of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, which Real had won 2-0.
However, this time Real took an early lead through a tactical switch by Alonso, who abandoned a three-man defence for a back four.
Despite chances for both sides, Real controlled much of the game.
Dortmund’s Julian Brandt came close early on, but Madrid struck first through Garcia’s smart finish in the 10th minute. Fran Garcia’s goal followed 10 minutes later after patient build-up play.
Dortmund had chances to get back into the game, including a near miss by Bellingham, but Real’s defence held firm until the final frantic moments.
Substitute Beier’s goal gave Dortmund hope, but Mbappe’s brilliant overhead kick ensured Real’s progression.
“It is a deserved win for Real Madrid,” said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac. “We showed our qualities, and there is no shame in losing to them.”
