Dortmund fight back but fall to Real Madrid in five-goal thriller | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund have been eliminated from the Club World Cup following a 3-2 quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday at MetLife Stadium.

The Black and Yellows fell behind just 10 minutes in when Gonzalo Garcia, given another chance up front by Xabi Alonso, took full advantage of a well-placed cross. Completely unmarked, the young striker had no trouble putting the ball past Gregor Kobel.

Things worsened for Niko Kovac’s side in the 20th minute as another Garcia doubled the lead. After Trent Alexander-Arnold sent a precise ball across the Dortmund defense, Fran Garcia poked home at the far post.

The Spanish giants dominated the first half heavily and could have extended their lead with a bit more clinical finishing. Dortmund had some opportunities, but were clearly second best before the break.

Kovac responded with a triple substitution at half-time, and Dortmund initially looked more promising in the second half. However, they failed to seriously threaten the La Liga giants, who gradually regained control as the half progressed.

Real Madrid pushed for a third goal late on, but Gregor Kobel kept Dortmund in the game with some heroic saves.

Instead, Dortmund went up the other end and pulled one back through Maximilian Beier, who powered a shot into the net during injury time.

However, Real responded instantly when second-half substitute Kylian Mbappé made it 3-1 with an acrobatic effort.

Just when it seemed the match was decided, Dortmund surged forward and won a penalty when Dean Huijsen was sent off for bringing down Serhou Guirassy inside the box.

The Guinea international confidently converted the penalty, and Marcel Sabitzer came close to equalising shortly after, but was denied by a brilliant save from Thibaut Courtois, who sealed the win for Real after a dramatic finish.

Dortmund’s exit marks the end of German clubs’ involvement in the Club World Cup after Bayern Munich were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain earlier on Saturday.

Real Madrid will now face the French champions in the semi-finals, while Fluminense and Chelsea prepare to battle it out in the other semi-final.