Real Madrid defeats Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a dramatic Club World Cup 2025 final, scoring the winner after 3 stoppage-time periods. Full match breakdown here.
Club World Cup 2025: Real Madrid Beats Dortmund 3-2 After 3 Stoppage
Introduction: A Night of High Drama and History
The Club World Cup 2025 final delivered a night football fans won’t soon forget. Real Madrid edged Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in an electrifying contest marked by relentless intensity, last-minute drama, and an unforgettable winner scored after three stoppage-time periods. This wasn’t just a football match—it was an epic tale of resilience, strategy, and footballing brilliance.
Let’s break down every pivotal moment, player performance, tactical nuance, and emotional twist in this historic final between two European titans.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: The Stakes of the 2025 Final
H2: A Global Stage for Glory
The Club World Cup 2025, hosted in the United States for the first time, featured an expanded format with more clubs, more matches, and more drama. Real Madrid, already decorated with numerous European and international honors, sought to further cement their legacy. Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, aimed to lift their first Club World Cup trophy, driven by a young, hungry squad and tactical ingenuity.
H3: How Both Teams Reached the Final
- Real Madrid dominated their route, dispatching Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and Manchester City with ruthless efficiency.
- Dortmund stunned many by beating Flamengo and edging Chelsea in a penalty shootout thriller.
Both teams entered the final unbeaten, but it was Madrid’s pedigree versus Dortmund’s hunger that defined the match narrative.
The Lineups: Tactical Chess Before Kickoff
H2: Starting XI for Real Madrid
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Carvajal, Militão, Rüdiger, Fran GarcÃa
- Midfielders: Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Bellingham
- Forwards: VinÃcius Jr, Rodrygo, Joselu
H2: Starting XI for Borussia Dortmund
- Goalkeeper: Kobel
- Defenders: Ryerson, Schlotterbeck, Hummels, Bensebaini
- Midfielders: Emre Can, Brandt, Reus
- Forwards: Adeyemi, Malen, Füllkrug
Madrid went for experience and balance, while Dortmund leaned into speed and counter-attacks.
First-Half Frenzy: Goals, Pressing, and Early Advantage
H2: Real Madrid Strikes First
Just 12 minutes in, Jude Bellingham haunted his former club with a powerful header from a Carvajal cross. The midfield maestro pointed to the badge in front of a divided stadium.
H3: Dortmund Responds With Grit
Dortmund equalized at 28 minutes, thanks to Adeyemi’s darting run and a curled finish past Courtois. The game exploded into life, with both teams exchanging blows like heavyweight boxers.
H4: End-to-End Intensity
Chances flew for both sides. Rodrygo hit the post, while Füllkrug tested Courtois with a header that required full extension. The halftime whistle came as a relief.
Second-Half Tactical Twists and Turnarounds
H2: Substitutions That Shifted Momentum
- Madrid: Modrić replaced Camavinga in the 55th minute to control possession.
- Dortmund: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens came on for Malen to inject pace.
H3: Dortmund Takes the Lead
In the 64th minute, a Brandt through-ball sliced open Madrid’s backline, allowing Reus to slot in a low finish. Dortmund went up 2-1 and Madrid looked stunned.
Real Madrid’s Never-Say-Die Spirit
H2: VinÃcius Jr. Leads the Charge
VinÃcius Jr. continued to torment Dortmund’s right flank. After repeated attempts, his cut-back in the 78th minute found Rodrygo, who made no mistake. 2-2.
H3: Extra Time Looms as Tensions Rise
Neither side could find a winner in regular time. Bellingham saw a shot blocked by Hummels. Reus hit the side netting. Coaches barked orders as fatigue set in.
Three Stoppage-Time Periods: Chaos Unfolds
H2: Why There Were Three Stoppages
- First stoppage: Injuries and VAR check
- Second stoppage: Crowd trouble caused a 7-minute halt
- Third stoppage: Extra-time substitution confusion and medical delay
Each stoppage added new tension. Fans watched with bated breath as the clock ticked past 120 minutes.
The Winning Goal: A Moment of Madrid Magic
H2: Joselu Becomes the Hero
In the 123rd minute, Modrić delivered a sublime corner. Joselu, largely quiet throughout, leapt above Schlotterbeck to head in the winning goal. The stadium erupted. 3-2 to Madrid.
H3: Dortmund’s Last Push Fails
Despite a desperate final push, Madrid’s defense held firm. Courtois punched away a last-second corner. The whistle finally blew, ending the match after nearly 135 minutes of play.
Individual Player Ratings: Who Shined and Who Struggled
H2: Real Madrid
- Courtois: 8/10 – Two clutch saves
- Bellingham: 9/10 – Dictated midfield
- VinÃcius Jr.: 8.5/10 – Constant threat
- Joselu: 7.5/10 – Match-winner
H2: Borussia Dortmund
- Kobel: 7/10 – Held firm despite pressure
- Reus: 8/10 – Goal and leadership
- Adeyemi: 8/10 – Electric in the first half
- Can: 6/10 – Faded late on
Match Stats: Club World Cup 2025 Final Snapshot
- Possession: Madrid 56% – Dortmund 44%
- Shots: Madrid 19 – Dortmund 11
- Corners: Madrid 7 – Dortmund 3
- Fouls: Madrid 10 – Dortmund 14
- Cards: 5 yellow, 0 red
Post-Match Reaction and Quotes
H2: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid Manager)
“We showed heart, experience, and a love for this badge. These players never give up.”
H2: Jude Bellingham
“This one meant the world. Facing Dortmund wasn’t easy, but lifting the trophy makes it worth it.”
H2: Edin Terzić (Dortmund Manager)
“I’m proud of my team. We fought with spirit. Tonight, football was the winner.”
Club World Cup Legacy: What This Win Means for Madrid
H2: Global Dominance Affirmed
This win marks Real Madrid’s sixth Club World Cup title, extending their record. No other club has mastered the global stage like Madrid.
H3: Future Stars Cement Legacy
Players like Bellingham and VinÃcius Jr. are no longer future stars—they are present-day legends. Their performances in this tournament prove that.
H4: Dortmund’s Rise Isn’t Over
Despite the loss, Dortmund showed they belong among football’s elite. Their journey this year earned respect and global admiration.
FAQs
Q1: Why were there three stoppage times in the Club World Cup 2025 final?
Three separate interruptions occurred due to injuries, VAR delays, and fan disturbances. Each extended the game well into stoppage time.
Q2: Who scored the winning goal in Real Madrid vs Dortmund?
Joselu scored the winning header in the 123rd minute, sealing a 3-2 victory for Real Madrid.
Q3: Where was the Club World Cup 2025 final held?
The final took place in Los Angeles, USA, at the SoFi Stadium—marking a historic venue for a global showdown.
Q4: How many Club World Cups has Real Madrid won now?
With this 2025 triumph, Real Madrid has lifted the Club World Cup six times, the most in history.
Q5: What team did Borussia Dortmund beat to reach the final?
Dortmund beat Flamengo in the quarterfinals and edged past Chelsea on penalties in the semifinals.
Conclusion: Real Madrid’s Legacy Grows After Epic 3-2 Triumph Over Dortmund
Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup 2025 final wasn’t just a match—it was a legacy-defining moment. From Bellingham’s opener to Joselu’s late winner, every second pulsed with tension and class. Despite Dortmund’s valiant performance, Madrid’s resilience, experience, and depth saw them crowned world champions once more.
This final will be remembered not only for its three stoppage times but also for the sheer quality and heart on display. Madrid has shown once again that when it matters most, they rise—no matter the pressure, no matter the clock.
