Real Madrid emerged victorious with a narrow 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in a dramatic FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal clash. The match, which went the full 90 minutes, was packed with intensity, late drama, and standout performances.
### Match Recap
Madrid struck first with Gonzalo García opening the scoring, followed by Fran García doubling the lead in the 20th minute. Just as the game seemed settled, Dortmund launched a late surge—Maximilian Beier pulled one back in the 92nd minute, and Serhou Guirassy converted a penalty in the 98th minute to set up a nervy finish. However, Kylian Mbappé proved decisive once again, sealing the win for Madrid with a clutch goal in the 94th minute.
### Alonso Highlights Madrid’s Progress
Post-match, Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, praised his team’s evolution, emphasizing their tactical growth:
"One of our biggest objectives was to play more as a unit—both in and out of possession. We’ve worked on moving in compact blocks, pressing higher, and improving our spacing. The progress has been clear, and we’re seeing the results."
He added: "From the start, we had two goals: winning this tournament and elevating our style of play. The squad has grown tremendously in recent weeks, and managing high-stakes games with our full depth has been crucial."
### Semifinal Showdown: Madrid vs. PSG
With this victory, Madrid advances to face Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster semifinal. The match will mark Mbappé’s first encounter against his former club on the global stage, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.
PSG, coming off a strong win over Bayern Munich, enter as slight favorites. However, with Madrid at full strength and riding a wave of momentum, Alonso’s side will look to defy expectations and continue their quest for Club World Cup glory.
As the tournament reaches its climax, all eyes will be on whether Real Madrid can harness their legendary pedigree to overcome PSG and move one step closer to lifting the trophy.
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