Player Ratings: Real Madrid 3–2 Borussia Dortmund, Club World Cup 2025.
Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals, advancing to the semi-finals in a match that showcased their resilience, attacking flair, and moments of defensive fragility.
Below is a detailed analysis of each player's performance, based on their contributions on the pitch, with ratings reflecting their impact on the game. The match was a rollercoaster, with Madrid’s attacking brilliance and clutch defending ultimately overcoming Dortmund’s relentless pressure.
Starters
Thibaut Courtois: 9
The Belgian goalkeeper once again proved why he’s considered one of the world’s best in high-stakes matches. Courtois was powerless to stop Dortmund’s two goals, both of which came from clinical finishes and defensive lapses rather than goalkeeping errors. His defining moment came in stoppage time, where he produced a miraculous save to deny Dortmund an equalizer, preserving Madrid’s lead and avoiding extra time. His presence between the posts exuded confidence, and his distribution was sharp, helping Madrid build from the back. Another display of big-game pedigree from a keeper who thrives under pressure.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7
The former Liverpool star, still adapting to Real Madrid’s system under Xabi Alonso, showed flashes of brilliance but also signs of rust. His pinpoint assist for Madrid’s second goal highlighted his elite attacking quality, with a perfectly weighted cross that carved open Dortmund’s defense. However, his defensive positioning was exposed at times, particularly in the second half when Dortmund exploited gaps on his flank. Alexander-Arnold’s fitness is not yet at its peak, which impacted his ability to track back consistently. Still, his offensive contributions outweighed his defensive shortcomings, though he’ll need to sharpen up for the semi-final.
Antonio Rüdiger: 5
Rüdiger started the match with his trademark intensity, winning aerial duels and organizing the backline effectively in the first half. However, his performance took a nosedive after the break. A sloppy clearance directly led to Dortmund’s first goal, as he failed to deal with a routine ball under pressure. As the game became more chaotic, Rüdiger struggled to maintain his composure, misplacing passes and losing his man on several occasions. While his physicality was a plus, his errors were costly, and he’ll need to regain his focus for the next round.
Dean Huijsen: 7.5
The young Dutch defender was one of Madrid’s standout performers for most of the match, showcasing maturity beyond his years. Huijsen was dominant in duels, winning 80% of his aerial battles, and displayed remarkable composure on the ball, completing 92% of his passes. He even ventured forward to support the attack, nearly creating a goal with a well-timed run. However, his night took a dramatic turn with a reckless challenge in the box, conceding a penalty and earning a red card in the dying minutes. The dismissal, which rules him out of the semi-final, marred an otherwise stellar performance and leaves Madrid short at the back.
Fran Garcia: 9
Fran Garcia delivered a career-defining performance, earning the Man of the Match award with a display full of energy, precision, and attacking intent. Under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, the fullback has transformed into a relentless force down the left flank. His well-taken goal—a composed finish after a darting run into the box—set the tone for Madrid’s attack. Garcia’s crossing was razor-sharp, and his chemistry with Arda Güler and Gonzalo Garcia was a constant threat to Dortmund’s defense. Defensively, he held his own, making crucial tackles to halt counterattacks. A reborn player thriving in Alonso’s system.
Aurélien Tchouaméni: 8
Tchouaméni was a rock in midfield, delivering a masterclass in positional discipline and defensive awareness. Tasked with anchoring the midfield against Dortmund’s dynamic duo of Julian Brandt and Jamie Gittens, he rarely put a foot wrong. His ability to read the game allowed him to snuff out attacks before they materialized, completing three tackles and two interceptions. Tchouaméni’s passing was crisp, with a 94% completion rate, and he provided a vital shield for the backline during Dortmund’s high-pressing moments. His understated brilliance was key to Madrid’s control in midfield.
Fede Valverde: 7.5
Valverde was the silent engine in Madrid’s midfield, doing the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. He led the game with four interceptions, constantly disrupting Dortmund’s rhythm and winning back possession in critical areas. His energy allowed him to cover every blade of grass, and his passing kept Madrid’s transitions smooth, even if he wasn’t the flashiest player on the pitch. Valverde’s role as a connector between defense and attack was vital, though he missed a chance to add a goal or assist to his stat sheet. A typically reliable performance from the Uruguayan.
Jude Bellingham: 7.5
Bellingham brought his usual tenacity and class to the midfield battle, pressing Dortmund’s players relentlessly and carrying the ball out of tight spaces with ease. He won 75% of his ground duels, helping Madrid dominate the physical exchanges in the middle of the park. His dribbling was a highlight, as he glided past opponents to spark counterattacks. However, his final ball in transition moments lacked precision, with a couple of promising moves breaking down due to errant passes. Still, his overall contribution was strong, and he remains a key cog in Alonso’s system.
Arda Güler: 9
The Turkish wonderkid continues to blossom into a superstar, and this match was another showcase of his immense talent. Güler registered two assists, both of which were moments of pure artistry. His first was a delicate through-ball that sliced open Dortmund’s defense for Gonzalo Garcia’s opener, while the second was a perfectly curled cross for Fran Garcia’s goal. Güler’s vision and ability to play progressive passes between the lines consistently put Dortmund on the back foot. He completed 88% of his passes and created four key chances, cementing his status as Madrid’s creative hub. A star in the making.
Vinicius Jr: 6
Vinicius had a quieter night than usual, struggling to find his rhythm against Dortmund’s well-organized defense. While his presence on the left wing stretched the opposition and created space for Fran Garcia to exploit, he was less effective in one-on-one situations, losing possession on several dribbles. His decision-making in the final third was off, with a few wayward shots and passes. Still, his work rate was commendable, and his wide positioning indirectly contributed to Madrid’s attacking fluency. Far from his best, but his mere presence remains a threat.
Gonzalo Garcia: 8.5
The young Spaniard continues to prove he’s a natural-born goalscorer with another excellent performance. His movement off the ball was exceptional, constantly finding pockets of space to exploit Dortmund’s high line. His opening goal was a thing of beauty—a perfectly timed run followed by a clinical finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Gonzalo’s link-up play with Güler and Fran Garcia was seamless, and he nearly added a second with a clever flick that forced a save. At just 21, he’s quickly becoming a cornerstone of Madrid’s attack.
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Substitutes
Kylian Mbappé: 8
Mbappé came off the bench late in the game and made an immediate impact, reminding everyone of his world-class ability. His goal—a stunning solo effort where he beat two defenders before rifling a shot into the top corner—was the decisive moment that secured Madrid’s victory. His explosiveness and directness injected new life into the attack, and he nearly created another goal with a mazy run. While his minutes were limited, Mbappé showed why he’s a game-changer, even in short bursts.
Rodrygo: N/A
Rodrygo’s cameo was too brief to warrant a rating. He entered the match in the final moments and had little time to influence proceedings, though he did help see out the game with some smart hold-up play.
Luka Modric: 6
The veteran midfielder brought his trademark calm and control to a frantic game, completing 95% of his passes in his short stint. However, he struggled to match Dortmund’s intensity defensively, losing a couple of duels in key moments. Modric’s ability to slow the game down and retain possession was valuable, but his impact was limited compared to his usual standards. Still, his experience helped Madrid manage the closing stages.
Dani Ceballos: 6
Ceballos was tidy in his brief appearance, completing all of his passes (100% accuracy) and helping Madrid maintain control in midfield. He didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact, but his composure under pressure was a positive. A solid, if unspectacular, cameo.
Raúl Asencio: N/A
Asencio’s time on the pitch was too short to evaluate properly. He came on to bolster the defense after Huijsen’s red card but had minimal involvement.
Tactical Overview
Under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, Real Madrid played with a fluidity that overwhelmed Dortmund for large parts of the game. The attacking trio of Güler, Gonzalo Garcia, and Fran Garcia was the standout, with their interplay on the left flank creating constant danger. Tchouaméni and Valverde provided a robust midfield base, allowing Bellingham and Güler to push forward and create.
However, defensive lapses—particularly Rüdiger’s error and Huijsen’s red card—exposed vulnerabilities that could prove costly against stronger opposition in the semi-finals. Courtois’s heroics and Mbappé’s late brilliance ultimately made the difference, but Madrid will need to tighten up at the back moving forward.
Key Moments
Gonzalo Garcia’s opener: A sublime through-ball from Güler found Gonzalo, who finished with composure to give Madrid the lead.
Fran Garcia’s goal: Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint cross was met by a darting run from Fran Garcia, who volleyed home to make it 2–0.
Dortmund’s fightback: A poor clearance from Rüdiger gifted Dortmund their first goal, and a well-worked move leveled the score.
Mbappé’s winner: The Frenchman’s solo stunner restored Madrid’s lead late in the game.
Courtois’s save: A miraculous stop in stoppage time denied Dortmund an equalizer.
Huijsen’s red card: A late penalty conceded by Huijsen, followed by his dismissal, made the final minutes nervy.
Real Madrid’s 3–2 win was a testament to their attacking quality and individual brilliance, with Fran Garcia, Güler, and Courtois standing out as the heroes of the night. However, defensive errors and Huijsen’s suspension highlight areas for improvement as Madrid progress in the tournament. Xabi Alonso’s system is clearly taking shape, with young talents like Gonzalo and Güler thriving, but the team will need to be more disciplined to lift the Club World Cup trophy.
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