Bundesliga
Dortmund undone by Real Madrid and Vinícius
Borussia Dortmund were two goals to the good at the Santiago Bernabéu thanks to first-half strikes from Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens, but Real Madrid rallied after the break to hit their opponents for five, with Vinícius Junior starring for the hosts.
Real Madrid 5-2 Borussia Dortmund
Goals: 0-1 Malen 30' (assist: Guirassy), 0-2 Gittens 34' (assist: Malen), 1-2 Rüdiger 60' (assist: Mbappé), 2-2 Vinícius 62' (assist: Mbappé), 3-2 Lucas Vázquez 83', 4-2 Vinícius 86', 5-2 Vinícus 90'+3
The last time these sides took to the field together, they passed the UEFA Champions League trophy at Wembley Stadium ahead of the 2024 showpiece in the English capital. Almost five months later, Dortmund had a chance to gain a modicum of revenge for a 2-0 defeat to record European champions Real in a league stage rematch in Madrid. Nuri Şahin's side had started this season's tournament with back-to-back wins and - despite travelling to Spain without several injured key players - stunned the home side with a couple of goals in quick succession that silenced the Santiago Bernabéu. Malen slammed home his first goal of the tournament this term from a Serhou Guirassy assist and, just as the dust was settling on that moment, Gittens showed up at the back post to tap in from Malen's centre from the right. The hosts rallied and hit the crossbar twice in the same move via Rodrygo and then former BVB favourite Jude Bellingham, but a breathless opening 45' would ultimately belong to the Bundesliga team.
That Real Madrid have made this competition their own in the recent past has been down, in no small part, to some jaw-dropping comebacks. Carlo Ancelotti no doubt pointed to such feats at the half-time break, as his team emerged for the second half appearing intent on clawing back the deficit. When ex-Stuttgart defender and Germany international Antonio Rüdiger headed in a Kylian Mbappé assist on the hour, it was game on. Yet even Dortmund couldn't believe their luck when Vinícius was there to sweep home just two minutes later. Momentum now fully with the men in white, a home winner seemed inevitable. The crucial strike arrived from the boot of Lucas Vázquez, who lashed past Gregor Kobel from the right. The holders even had time for some more Vinícius magic, the No. 7 running the length of the pitch before swerving in, and adding another solo effort in injury-time to inflict a first defeat of this year's Champions League on a distraught Dortmund.
5 - 2(0 - 2)
Madrid
SECOND HALF
Dortmund
90' +3
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Madrid extend lead
The home hero produces one more solo spectacular but this is far too easy from a BVB point of view, the visiting defence allowing the Brazilian to waltz in and finish.
86'
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Game over
Vinícius wins possession deep inside his own half on the left and embarks on a lengthy run that leaves Dortmund's defenders for dead. The Brazilian cuts outside Süle and slots the ball past the outstretched hand of Kobel.
83'
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Madrid in front
Madrid's comeback is complete. Rodrygo does well to keep the ball in play out wide. His subsequent pass causes confusion among the Dortmund ranks and Brandt's touch only takes it into the path of Lucas Vázquez, who finishes at the near post.
82'
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Brandt, Beier go close
Beier's low shot from close range is saved by Courtois while Brandt just fails to make something of the follow up.
80'
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Mbappé off target
The France international can't quite steer Rodrygo's centre on target and Kobel watches the ball fly harmlessly over his crossbar.
76'
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Beier flying
Beier storms into the action after coming on to replace Felix Nmecha and the youngster flashes a pass across the Madrid box, which the hosts scramble to clear.
75'
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Emre Can
Julian Ryerson
75'
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Maximilian Beier
Felix Nmecha
70'
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Camavinga
Modrić
66'
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Courtois there again
The Real Madrid keeper slides out to take the ball ahead of the onrushing Malen.
62'
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Real Madrid are level
The reigning European champions have scored twice in quick succession to pull level in this game. Former Stuttgart defender and Germany international Rüdiger headed in Mbappé's centre while just moments later, Vinícius Junior sent the home fans into ecstasy when stroking in the leveller from another Mbappé assist, which survived a VAR check.
56'
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Courtois save
The Real Madrid goalkeeper makes a two-handed save to deny Malen.
54'
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BVB change
Nuri Şahin appears to be aiming to hold onto what Dortmund have here, with Waldemar Anton on for Jamie Gittens.
54'
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Waldemar Anton
Jamie Gittens
52'
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Kobel save
This is far more dangerous from Ancelotti's side. Mendy's menacing centre misses Mbappé - just - but does land at the feet of Valverde, whose shot from a tight angle is blocked by Kobel.
50'
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Schlotterbeck alert
Rodrygo runs all the way to the byline and cuts the ball back into the danger zone. Schlotterbeck takes the pass and jogs calmly out of the area. Things are not clicking for the hosts.
48'
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BVB remain focused
Nmecha does brilliantly to win back possession and eventually earn a corner. Dortmund are up for the fight in this second half, not sitting back or going lightly into challenges.
46'
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Away we go again
Real Madrid get the second half underway ...
45' +2
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Half-time: Real Madrid 0-2 Dortmund
The defending European champions leave the field with heads bowed. Their opponents from the Bundesliga have taken control in the Spanish capital thanks to a couple of quick-fire goals from Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens.
40'
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Gittens again
The attacking midfielder bounds forward, full of confidence, and unleashes a low shot from distance at goal. Courtois gets down to scoop the effort away from danger.
38'
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Courtois saves Madrid
Brandt's belter towards the top corner is blocked by a flying save from Thibaut Courtois.
36'
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Real hit the bar ... twice
What a game this is now! Soon after Bellingham sends a header from close range into the arms of Kobel, the home side are back again. Rodrygo slams against the crossbar, before Bellingham sends the follow up against the upright. In the same move, Kobel is forced to tip over after Brandt inadvertently sent the ball high towards his own goal. Phew!
33'
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BVB on fire 🔥
Scenes at the Santiago Bernabéu! This is far too easy for the visitors, who have so much time to move the ball across to the right via Ryerson. The Norwegian picks out Malen, who darts a pass to the back stick for Gittens to tap home.
30'
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Borussia Dortmund ahead!
The away end erupts after Malen takes a through pass from Serhou Guirassy on the right and slams the ball past Courtois for the opening goal of the night!
24'
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Pace slowed
The home side are allowing their guests to play a little bit of keep ball here, in what looks like a bit of a breather for Madrid. Could be an opportune time for BVB to make hay.
13'
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Gittens lively
Jamie Gittens gets into the Real area and slips just as he pulls the trigger. The loose ball evades the attentions of Donyell Malen and Courtois cleans up.
10'
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Hosts dominant
Carlo Ancelotti's side have had 65 per cent possession to date. BVB are by no means a shadow in this game, but the defending European champions do appear to be growing ever more confident as the clock ticks on.
8'
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Madrid pressure
Modrić's free kick into the Dortmund mixer is headed out by Bensebaini, but only towards Mbappé. The French superstar smacks the ball goalwards first time and looks on as his effort hits Nmecha and bounces wide.
5'
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Guirassy shot
Dortmund find some space on the right and Brandt picks out Guirassy in the centre. The striker stretches and makes contact, sending the ball into the arms of Courtois.
3'
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Calm start
BVB play some nice pass and move stuff as they probe for an opening in Madrid's half. The hosts subsequently win a corner, Luka Modrić taking. It comes to nothing.
1'
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Game on!
Dortmund kick off amid tremendous noise inside this famous ground.
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Teams out
Both sides make their way out onto the pitch and we're ready for the Champions League anthem.
178s
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Hey Jude 👋
In Real Madrid's midfield for the 52nd time here, Jude Bellingham famously wore the Black-and-Yellow of Dortmund for 132 games, scoring 24 goals in BVB's colours between 2020 and 2023. The England international got the better of his former side to become a Champions League winner in last season's showpiece.
209s
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Captain Brandt
Julian Brandt captains Dortmund on what is his 227th appearance for Die Schwarzgelben this evening. He is yet to score in the Champions League or the Bundesliga this season, but should he do so in the Spanish capital, we may well see the 28-year-old's trademark celebration. Check out its meaning in the video.
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Madrid starting XI
Courtois - Vázquez, Rüdiger, Militão, Mendy - Valverde, Modrić (c), Bellingham - Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius
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Madrid subs
Lunin, González, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Endrick, Vallejo, Ceballos, Fran García
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Dortmund starting XI
Kobel (c) - Ryerson, Süle, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini - Nmecha, Sabitzer - Malen, Brandt, Gittens - Guirassy
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Dortmund subs
Meyer, Lotka, Anton, Groß, Beier, Can, Campbell, Wätjen, Mane, Kabar, Azhil
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Dortmund's injury list
The visitors will be without Karim Adeyemi (muscle injury), Yan Couto (muscle injury), Gio Reyna (groin) and Julien Duranville (hamstring) for their trip to the Spanish capital.
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Real's injury list
Brahim Diaz (hamstring), Dani Carvajal (ligament tear) and David Alaba (ligament tear) are all still recovering from injuries and therefore won't be available for the game against Dortmund.
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Kobel expected to be fit despite stomach issues
Şahin also offered an update on the fitness of 'keeper Gregor Kobel, saying: “Gregor Kobel had slight stomach problems and therefore didn't train today. But he should be available for tomorrow. Niklas Süle is fit again and available.”
123s
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Watch: Dortmund 2-1 St. Pauli
Dortmund made it three wins in a row with victory over newly promoted St. Pauli.
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Consistency is key
Despite their impressive form in Europe, Dortmund have been less convincing in the Bundesliga. They have won four, drawn one and lost two of their opening seven games.
Match stats
- Despite defeat here, Dortmund have lost just three of their past 15 matches in this competition.
- Şahin made 10 appearances for Madrid as a player during the 2011/12 season.
- Bellingham made 132 appearances for Dortmund between 2020 and 2023. He is one of five Madrid players to have previously played in Germany alongside David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Rüdiger and Jesús Vallejo.
- Dortmund have scored 12 goals in this season's Champions League, more than any other side.
Teams
Real Madrid: Courtois - Vázquez, Rüdiger, Militão, Mendy - Valverde, Modrić (c) (Camavinga 71'), Bellingham (Arda Güler 90') - Rodrygo (Tchouaméni 85'), Mbappé (Ceballos 90'), Vinícius
Unused subs: Lunin, González, Endrick, Vallejo, Fran García
Out: Alaba (cruciate ligament), Carvajal (cruciate ligament), Díaz (thigh)
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Dortmund: Kobel - Ryerson (Can 76'), Süle, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini - Sabitzer, Nmecha (Beier 76') - Malen (Groß 64'), Brandt (c), Gittens (Anton 55') - Guirassy
Unused subs: Meyer, Lotka, Campbell, Wätjen, Mane, Kabar, Azhil
Out: Adeyemi (hamstring), Couto (muscle), Duranville (thigh), Reyna (groin)
Coach: Nuri Şahin
As it happened ...