Real Madrid advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup after surviving a chaotic stoppage-time period to defeat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in their quarter-final clash on Saturday.
The Spanish giants appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory after first-half goals from Gonzalo García and Fran García gave them a 2-0 lead. However, three goals and a red card in a wild period of added time ensured a dramatic conclusion.
Real Madrid, under new manager Xabi Alonso, took the lead in the 10th minute when 21-year-old forward Gonzalo García volleyed in a cross from Arda Güler. Fran García doubled the advantage ten minutes later, tapping in from a Trent Alexander-Arnold delivery.
The match exploded into life in stoppage time. Dortmund substitute Maximilian Beier pulled a goal back to make it 2-1. Real Madrid responded almost immediately, with their own substitute, Kylian Mbappé, scoring with an acrobatic volley. The drama continued as Real defender Dean Huijsen was then sent off for pulling back Serhou Guirassy in the penalty area, and Guirassy converted the resulting spot-kick to bring the score to 3-2.
Despite the late turmoil, Real Madrid held on for the win, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois making a sensational save from a Marcel Sabitzer volley with the last kick of the match.
The performance of Gonzalo García was a major highlight for Madrid. The academy graduate, who had only made six senior appearances before this tournament, scored his fourth goal of the competition, moving him level with Angel di Maria and Marcos Leonardo in the race for the Golden Boot.
Real Madrid will now face reigning European champions Paris St-Germain in the semi-finals at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday. PSG advanced after a dramatic 2-0 victory over a nine-man Bayern Munich in their quarter-final.
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