In a match filled with drama and heart-stopping moments, Real Madrid staged a remarkable second-half comeback to beat Borussia Dortmund 5-2, led by an outstanding hat-trick from Vinicius Junior. The Spanish giants found themselves in a difficult position at halftime, trailing 2-0 after goals from Donyell Malen and English youngster Jamie Gittens, in what was a repeat of last year’s final. The stage seemed set for Dortmund to end Real Madrid’s 14-match unbeaten home run in the Champions League.
But Real Madrid, known for their resilience, had other plans. Antonio Rudiger kick-started the fightback in the 60th minute, powering in a towering header that pulled one back for the home side. Just two minutes later, Vinicius leveled the game with a clinical finish, sending the Bernabéu crowd into a frenzy.
As the game progressed, the momentum firmly shifted in Real’s favor. Captain Lucas Vazquez made it 3-2 with a driven shot from a tight angle in the 83rd minute, capitalizing on Real’s growing dominance. Dortmund had their chances, notably when skipper Julian Brandt’s close-range effort was brilliantly saved by Thibaut Courtois. However, just moments after Brandt’s near miss, Vazquez’s goal put Real in front.
Vinicius, who is widely tipped to win the upcoming Ballon d’Or, sealed the win with two late goals, both the result of impressive solo runs. His second of the night was a moment of brilliance, as he picked up the ball deep in his own half, sprinted down the left wing, and rifled a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. It was a performance that showcased the Brazilian’s electrifying talent and confirmed his status as one of the world’s most exciting players.
Despite Real Madrid’s offensive struggles in the first half, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham struggling to connect, the second half saw a different team emerge. Bellingham, who rattled the underside of the bar while the team was 2-0 down, grew into the game, but it was Vinicius who truly stole the show.
This victory marks Real Madrid’s second win in three league phase matches, leaving them tied with Dortmund in the standings. On a night filled with records, Jamie Gittens, at just 20 years and 75 days old, became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid, breaking Alan Smith’s record set in 2001.
For Carlo Ancelotti’s side, the result not only continues their impressive run in the Champions League but also cements Vinicius Junior’s growing influence on the world stage.
