Real Madrid held off a chaotic late charge from Borussia Dortmund to seal a 3-2 win and clinch the final spot in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals, despite ending the match with 10 men.
Xabi Alonso’s side flew out of the blocks in Atlanta, with Arda Güler’s pinpoint cross volleyed in by Gonzalo García inside the opening minutes.
Fran García then doubled the lead midway through the first half, arriving at the back post to finish off Trent Alexander-Arnold’s delivery.
Madrid dominated the first period, and Vinicius Junior twice attempted audacious long-range lobs with Gregor Kobel off his line, narrowly missing both.
Dortmund offered little threat until the hour mark when Julian Brandt finally tested Thibaut Courtois, prompting Alonso to bring on Luka Modric and Kylian Mbappe.
Modric nearly made an instant impact, but his tame effort was easily saved.
A late flurry saw Maximilian Beier pull one back before Mbappe restored Madrid’s two-goal cushion with a stunning volley seconds later.
Yet drama followed immediately as Dean Huijsen conceded a penalty for a foul on Serhou Guirassy and was shown red. Guirassy converted to set up a nervy finish, but Madrid clung on.
With a semi-final showdown against PSG ahead, Los Blancos will hope their fast starts continue but must tighten up late on. Dortmund’s first Club World Cup run ends alongside their 10-match unbeaten streak.
