Kylian Mbappé made a huge statement on Saturday as his stunning bicycle kick helped Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 3–2 in the Club World Cup quarterfinals.
Mbappé had missed the group stage due to illness but returned in spectacular fashion. In second-half stoppage time, he scored an acrobatic bicycle kick from an Arda Güler cross, sealing the win for Madrid and sending them into the semifinals.
Fast Start from Real Madrid
Real Madrid wasted no time taking control. Within the first 20 minutes, Gonzalo García scored the opener from a cross by Arda Güler. Just minutes later, Fran García added a second, finishing a great ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
It looked like Madrid would cruise to victory, but Dortmund didn’t give up easily.
Late Drama in Stoppage Time
Maximilian Beier gave Dortmund hope with a powerful goal in the 92nd minute, cutting Madrid’s lead to 2–1. But just two minutes later, Mbappé responded with one of the best goals of the tournament—a bicycle kick that left fans and players stunned.
After scoring, Mbappé held up a two and a zero with his fingers, a touching tribute to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward who tragically died in a car crash earlier in the week. Jota wore the number 20 jersey for Liverpool.
Dortmund added another late goal in the 98th minute through a penalty from Serhou Guirassy, but it wasn’t enough. Madrid held on to advance.
Xabi Alonso Reflects on the Win
Real Madrid’s head coach Xabi Alonso admitted the ending was wild.
“Until the 80th minute, we controlled the game well,” he said. “But too many things happened in a short time. We’re happy to reach the semifinals, and I hope this win keeps the players focused.”
What’s Next in the Club World Cup?
Real Madrid will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals, setting up a battle of Europe’s giants. On the other side, Chelsea will play Fluminense in the second semifinal.
However, interest in that match appears lower. Reports say ticket prices for Chelsea vs. Fluminense dropped from $473 to just $13, reflecting low demand. FIFA has used dynamic pricing during this tournament, with some previous matches priced as low as $11.
