Real Madrid, the record five-time winners of the FIFA Club World Cup, are poised to face Borussia Dortmund. This very important game will determine if they’re on to the semis. This year’s tournament has seen Real Madrid perform strongly, including a recent 1-0 victory against Juventus, secured by Gonzalo Garcia’s decisive header. The final occurs under the backdrop of Real Madrid’s storied history in international club competitions. Remarkably, they enjoyed their most recent success at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
Having raised the most prestigious of trophies five times, Real Madrid’s legacy in the tournament is well known. Their last win of notable importance was their 3-2 triumph over Al Hilal, paving the way for their ongoing AFC Champions League campaign. Our boys opened this year’s tournament with a nail-biting 1-1 draw against Al Hilal. They turned around almost immediately and proved their mettle by taking out Pachuca 3-1. Then, they avenged last year’s knockout stage embarrassment by easily dispatching Real Salzburg 3-0. This emphatic victory punched their ticket to the top of Group H.
Key Performances and Player Highlights
Gonzalo Garcia’s performance has been pivotal for Real Madrid, particularly highlighted by his winning goal against Juventus in the 54th minute. This match was a true testament of not only his skills but the team’s ability to deliver when it counted most.
This was the first time Kylian Mbappe appeared on the pitch during this year’s Club World Cup. His introduction from the bench in the 68th minute of that match against Juventus marked his champions’ league debut. His impending return from illness will further bolster Real Madrid’s attacking quartet. Pre-match build up as the team prepared for their classic semifinal bout against Borussia Dortmund.
“I’m really delighted with the result [against Juventus], going through, and with the performance as well. We had to work, it was going to be tough, but we were professional and did really well.” – Xabi Alonso
Alonso’s happiness in the moment embodies every ounce of that team’s fierce resolve to continue their streak. This matchup against Borussia Dortmund would be their 17th meeting. Real Madrid has the edge having bested Dortmund eight times, while Dortmund has won three times.
Historical Context and Rivalry
Real Madrid are undefeated in their last six meetings with Dortmund, winning four of those matches. This history between them makes the air just that much more charged as they approach their next meeting.
For Borussia Dortmund coach, Niko Kovac, this is already difficult even before you get to the fact you are playing a fully-trained Real Madrid outfit. He illustrated this ideological shift with the example of how Alonso’s time in Germany influenced his spell at Bayer Leverkusen. Regardless, Dortmund is in for a long, difficult road.
“We know [Xabi Alonso] very well. He worked two and a half years in Germany, and he did a fantastic job. Now he’s implementing everything he had at Bayer Leverkusen at Real Madrid. So we’re expecting the same what we had in Leverkusen, only with different players.” – Niko Kovac
Kovac’s comments underscore the respect both teams have for each other’s capabilities as they prepare to meet on the pitch.
Looking Ahead
As Real Madrid gears up for this critical match, their history and recent form positions them as strong contenders for yet another FIFA Club World Cup title. With key players returning from injury and a solid track record against their opponents, expectations are high for a successful outcome.
