Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Vinícius Júnior shines as Real Madrid secure comeback win over Dortmund

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Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review

Defending champions Real Madrid extended their unbeaten streak to 15 consecutive UEFA Champions League home matches as Borussia Dortmund fell from the top of the standings after blowing a 2-0 lead and losing 5-2 in a thrilling match. Dortmund started strong, showing their intent to attack, while Real Madrid gradually found their rhythm, but the visitors held firm defensively at first.

Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Nuri Sahin greets Carlo Ancelotti during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.
Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Nuri Sahin greets Carlo Ancelotti during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

It was not surprising when Dortmund took the lead in the 30th minute, thanks to a well-executed passing sequence that saw Ramy Bensebaini deliver a clever reverse pass to Donyell Malen. Although Malen initially lost the ball, Julian Brandt regained possession and set up Serhou Guirassy, who skillfully assisted Malen, who scored to shock the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. Shortly after, Dortmund made it 2-0 when they switched play to the right side, and Malen, after beating Ferland Mendy, delivered a perfect pass to Jamie Gittens, who finished calmly.

Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Dortmund players celebrate during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.
Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Dortmund players celebrate during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

At that moment, Real Madrid realized they were in for a tough match, especially when Jude Bellingham squandered a great opportunity to reduce the lead with a weak header from Vinícius Júnior’s perfect cross, which was easily caught by Gregor Kobel. Bellingham soon felt frustrated again after hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot, following Rodrygo’s earlier attempt that also struck the woodwork. On the other side, Brandt’s long-range shot forced a fantastic fingertip save from Courtois as halftime approached, and despite their impressive play, Dortmund anticipated a strong response from Real after the break.

Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Donyell Malen against Thibaut Courtois and Ferland Mendy during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.
Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Donyell Malen against Thibaut Courtois and Ferland Mendy during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

Real Madrid scored in the 60th minute when Kylian Mbappé’s enticing cross was headed in by Antonio Rüdiger. Almost immediately after, they leveled the score when Luka Modrić set up Mbappé, who was skillfully challenged by Nico Schlotterbeck, but the ball fell to Vinícius, who scored to the roar of the crowd. After enduring significant pressure, Dortmund finally cracked in the 83rd minute when Lucas Vázquez scored after seizing a loose ball, just after Courtois had made a quick reflex save against Maximilian Beier. Vinícius capped off the victory with a brilliant solo run, cutting inside to score confidently, and completed his hat-trick with a powerful close-range shot during stoppage time.

Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Vinicius Junior scores during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.
Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Vinicius Junior scores during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

Real Madrid is now tied on points with Dortmund in the UCL standings and will be in high spirits as they prepare for Saturday’s exciting clash with Barcelona. Meanwhile, Nuri Şahin’s team needs to regroup before their match against Augsburg on the same day.

Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Real Madrid players celebrate during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.
Real Madrid vs Dortmund Review: Real Madrid players celebrate during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid and Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

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