Kylian Mbappe Scores and Pays Tribute as Real Madrid Edge Dortmund | OneFootball

Mbappe Magic Seals Semi-Final Clash with PSG

Kylian Mbappe’s breathtaking scissor-kick helped steer Real Madrid to a tense 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-final, setting up a blockbuster semi-final tie against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain.

Back in action after recovering from acute gastroenteritis, Mbappe was introduced in the 67th minute with Real already two goals up. What followed was a late flurry of drama in New Jersey, where the MetLife Stadium’s overwhelmingly pro-Real crowd bore witness to a thrilling conclusion.

Mbappe’s Return Carries Emotional Weight

His goal — a sublime volley from Arda Guler’s cross — was the standout moment of the evening. Yet it was the celebration that lingered longer in the memory. The French forward, captain of his national side and one of football’s most influential figures, honoured the late Diogo Jota with a touching tribute, forming the number 20 with his fingers towards the camera. It was a nod to Jota’s Liverpool shirt number, following the tragic passing of the 28-year-old in a recent car accident.

The tribute extended to Jota’s brother, Andre Silva, himself a professional footballer, who has taken a leave of absence since the incident. Mbappe, who knows the Portuguese family through mutual connections in the game, made a poignant statement — blending footballing excellence with heartfelt solidarity.

Real Tested as Dortmund Fight Back

Despite the sense of occasion, the tie took a nervy turn in stoppage time. Maximilian Beier’s late goal had seemingly been rendered meaningless by Mbappe’s strike, but moments later, Dean Huijsen’s foul on Serhou Guirassy gifted Dortmund a penalty and saw Real reduced to 10 men.

Guirassy converted confidently to make it 3-2, setting up a chaotic finale. It required a moment of brilliance from Thibaut Courtois to deny Marcel Sabitzer in the 100th minute — a sprawling save to preserve Madrid’s narrow lead and their place in the semi-finals.

Gonzalo Garcia Steps into Spotlight

In Mbappe’s partial absence, and with Endrick not fully fit, 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. His instinctive finish early on — his fourth goal in five matches during the Club World Cup — gave Real the opener. With 25 goals for Real Madrid Castilla last season, Garcia’s transition to the senior stage has been seamless. Unsurprisingly, interest from Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, is intensifying.

Madrid’s second goal arrived via Fran Garcia after a clever underlapping run and delivery from Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England defender’s positional intelligence and quick acceleration carved open Dortmund’s back line, enabling Garcia to convert from close range.

Missed Chances Almost Prove Costly

Real had further chances to kill the contest. Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior both squandered golden opportunities either side of half-time. Bellingham, capitalising on a smart dummy by Vinicius, dragged his shot wide, while the Brazilian forward attempted a lob with Kobel stranded — only to miscue it completely.

Aurelien Tchouameni came closest to scoring Real’s fourth, his curling effort from distance rattling the bar with the Dortmund keeper well beaten. Ultimately, though, Mbappe’s cameo and Courtois’ heroics ensured that Real progressed to face PSG — a semi-final rich with narrative and familiarity.

Elsewhere, Chelsea will meet Fluminense in the other semi-final, ensuring that both English and South American representation continues deep into the tournament.