Mbappé’s Late Bicycle Kick Lifts Real Madrid Over Dortmund

Aw8 Pro – In one of the most dramatic moments of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup so far, Kylian Mbappé’s stoppage-time bicycle kick secured a 3–2 victory for Real Madrid over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals on July 5. The French forward’s winner came after a back-and-forth contest that saw both teams struggle for control, and it sends the Spanish giants into a high-stakes semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain.

Held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the match was widely anticipated as one of the standout fixtures of the tournament’s knockout round. With temperatures cooling slightly after a humid afternoon, conditions were ideal for a quick, fluid match. Both sides, coming off commanding group stage performances, delivered a contest full of energy, tension, and individual brilliance.

First Half: Trading Chances, No Breakthrough

Real Madrid began the match with a high press, attempting to unsettle Dortmund’s midfield trio. Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde led the charge, looking to win back possession quickly and spring forward through Jude Bellingham, who was facing his former club for the first time since his 2023 transfer.

Borussia Dortmund, however, adjusted well. Under coach Niko Kovač, the German side stayed compact in their 4-2-3-1 shape and found space through quick outlet passes. Karim Adeyemi’s pace on the left frequently tested Real’s right side, and the 21-year-old forced a sharp save from Andriy Lunin in the 14th minute.

Madrid’s first real chance came midway through the half when Bellingham broke the lines and fed Rodrygo on the right wing. The Brazilian’s cut-back found Vinícius Júnior at the edge of the box, but his first-time strike curled just over the bar.

Despite these chances, the first half ended goalless. The match remained open, but both teams struggled with the final pass in and around the penalty area.

Second Half: Intensity Ramps Up

The game opened up significantly in the second half. Within five minutes of the restart, Real Madrid broke the deadlock. Toni Kroos delivered a perfectly-weighted free kick from the left flank, which Éder Militão met with a powerful header to make it 1–0.

The lead, however, was short-lived. Dortmund responded quickly, capitalizing on a rare lapse in Madrid’s shape. Julian Brandt found Niclas Füllkrug at the top of the box with space to turn. The German striker took one touch and rifled a low shot past Lunin to level the match at 1–1 in the 56th minute.

From there, the game escalated in pace and emotion. Tensions rose in midfield, with both teams picking up yellow cards. A foul by Valverde on Emre Can briefly halted play and stirred confrontation between players, but the referee kept control of the situation.

Trading Goals: A Final Twist Awaits

In the 74th minute, Real Madrid once again pulled ahead. This time it was Vinícius who provided the assist, driving down the left and whipping in a low cross. Rodrygo, arriving late at the back post, calmly slotted the ball in to make it 2–1.

Dortmund refused to fold. In the 82nd minute, a set-piece routine paid off. Julian Ryerson sent in a looping cross that was nodded down by Mats Hummels. Substitute Jamie Bynoe-Gittens reacted fastest, poking the ball over the line from close range to restore parity at 2–2.

With extra time looming, both sides pressed for a winner. Real Madrid introduced Luka Modrić and Joselu to add control and aerial presence. Dortmund, meanwhile, looked to hold shape and catch Madrid on the counter.

Mbappé’s Moment of Brilliance

In the fourth minute of added time, with both teams fatigued but still pushing forward, Madrid earned a corner after a deflected Vinícius shot. Kroos delivered a teasing cross to the far post, which was partially cleared by the Dortmund defense.

The ball dropped near the penalty spot, and as defenders hesitated, Kylian Mbappé—largely quiet until that point—reacted instinctively. With his back to goal, the French forward launched into a bicycle kick. The shot soared past Gregor Kobel and into the top corner, sending the Madrid section of the crowd into rapturous celebration.

There was no time for a reply. Moments after play resumed, the referee blew the final whistle.

Reactions and Analysis

After the match, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised the team’s composure and pointed to the quality of the squad as the deciding factor.

“We stayed calm in critical moments. That goal from Kylian was something special, but the team performance overall was what gave us the opportunity to win it,” Ancelotti said.

Dortmund’s Niko Kovač was gracious in defeat but did not hold back when asked about the officiating and pitch conditions.

“We played our football and stood toe-to-toe with Madrid. It’s a tough way to lose. The field wasn’t ideal for the kind of football we wanted to play,” Kovač noted, referencing uneven grass and surface traction at MetLife.

Mbappé, who has now scored in back-to-back matches, downplayed his individual moment and focused on the next challenge.

“These games are decided by small details. We know PSG is next, and that will be another big test,” he said post-match.

What’s Next

Real Madrid will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals—a matchup featuring two of Europe’s most talented squads. Mbappé, who joined Madrid from PSG in 2024, will face his former club in a fixture already gaining media attention.

Dortmund exit the tournament with respect earned, particularly for their tactical discipline and attacking intent. They’ll return to Bundesliga play with key lessons learned ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.

Match Summary:

Real Madrid 3 – 2 Borussia Dortmund
- Goals: Militão (50’), Rodrygo (74’), Mbappé (90+4’); Füllkrug (56’), Bynoe-Gittens (82’)
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappé