Real Madrid blitz Dortmund in second-half onslaught

Borussia Dortmund reacquainted themselves with Real Madrid for the first time since the 2023 Champions League final in London. Tonight, revenge couldn’t be extracted as the Galacticos came from behind to win 5-2.

A tense start from both teams in the bubbling Bernabeu atmosphere was uncorked with first chance of the evening fell to Brandt who made space for Malen on the right, however Guirassy’s effort met Courtois’ gloves. Real responded with rasping drives of their own from Mbappé and Valverde. The presence of Felix Nmecha in midfield shone bright as Dortmund enjoyed large spells of possession thanks to his presence. 

On the stroke of the half-hour, Die Schwarzgelben broke through the star-studded Galacticos rearguard. Brandt played a central ball into Guirassy, who despite the close attention of Rüdiger and Militão, managed to slip it to Malen. With just Courtois to beat, the Dutch man carefully placed his shot inside the right post. Four minutes later and BVB had a second – Malen turned provider as he reached the byline to pick out Jamie Gittens at the back post. In a frantic period before the interval Rodrygo and Bellingham rattled the crossbar, but BVB survived the sudden onslaught. 

Despite a couple of opportunities to break, Dortmund were under the cosh after the restart. Vinicius Junior’s cross to the back post was excellently defended by Schlotterbeck while Kobel repelled Vázquez on the rebound. The introduction of Anton for Gittens before the hour signalled the switch to a five-man defence which backfired instantly. Sitting deeper, Mbappé crossed for Rüdiger who headed into his former employer’s net. 

With the subsequent attack, parity was restored for the fifteen-time winners. Not even the VAR review could spare Dortmund this time. Modrić looked for Mbappé – Schlotterbeck interviened – but the centre-half was short on luck as the ball fell kindly for Vinicius Junior who had the goal at his mercy. Although substitute Maxi Beier tested Real’s Belgian shot-stopper at the other end, hosts would complete the comeback as Vázquez sprung free and thumped past Kobel. Vinicius Junior added two further insurance goals late on with a mesmerising run against weary Dortmund legs.