Real Madrid survive late scare to edge Dortmund | OneFootball

Real Madrid survived a late Borussia Dortmund rally to claim a dramatic 3-2 win and book their place in the Club World Cup final, in what was a breathless night in New Jersey.

Goals from Gonzalo García, Fran García, and substitute Kylian Mbappé were ultimately enough for Los Blancos, who looked to be cruising for much of the match before things took a chaotic turn deep into stoppage time.

The Spanish side, dominant for the majority of proceedings, went ahead after just ten minutes when rising star Gonzalo García finished off a clever cut-back from Arda Güler. The Spaniard’s sharp finish set the tone early on.

Fran García doubled the lead ten minutes later, arriving unmarked at the far post to slot home a low ball across goal from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Madrid were in total control, with Dortmund struggling to find rhythm or territory.

Dortmund made several changes at the break and began to show more attacking intent, with Maximilian Beier and Carney Chukwuemeka injecting energy into their play. However, it was Madrid who continued to create the better chances - Vinícius Júnior, Luka Modric and Mbappé all tested Gregor Kobel without adding to the scoreline.

Xabi Alonso's side were in full control until added time, when late drama suddenly unfolded.

Three minutes into stoppage time, Antonio Rüdiger miscleared a cross straight into the path of Maximilian Beier, who rifled a stunning finish past Thibaut Courtois to give Dortmund a glimmer of hope.

But moments later, Arda Güler floated in a superb cross, which Kylian Mbappé acrobatically volleyed home to make it 3-1 - seemingly putting the result beyond doubt.

However, in the 96th minute, Dean Huijsen was sent off for conceding a penalty, and Serhou Guirassy calmly slotted home from the spot to bring it back to 3-2.

With Madrid down to ten and nerves fraying, Dortmund poured forward in the dying moments. Marcel Sabitzer came within inches of forcing extra time, but Courtois produced a sensational flying save to preserve the win.

A nervy ending, then, but a deserved victory overall for Madrid, who managed the match for long periods and again showed the strength of their attacking depth.

They now march on to the semi-finals, where a showdown with European champions PSG awaits.