Real Madrid overcame a late scare to secure a thrilling 3–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in their FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final at MetLife Stadium. Goals from Gonzalo García (10′) and Fran García (20′) gave Los Blancos control early on, but a frantic stoppage-time sequence kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Madrid appeared poised for comfortable progression, with García’s left-back strike following his earlier opener reflecting their dominance. However, the dramatic final minutes saw three goals, a red card, and a heroic save. Dortmund’s Maximilian Beier pulled one back in the 90+2′ mark. Kylian Mbappé then launched a sensational volley in the 90+4′ to restore Madrid’s two-goal cushion.

In a nerve-jangling finale, Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off for a foul on Serhou Guirassy, who converted the resulting penalty in the 90+8′ to make it 3–2. Thibaut Courtois stood tall in the end, making a last-gasp save from Marcel Sabitzer to secure the win.

Tactical Insight and Standout Performances

Under Xabi Alonso, Madrid showed early intent by combining youthful flair with experienced structure. Gonzalo García and Fran García, both academy graduates, shone in wide positions, while Arda Güler orchestrated play with incisive vision. Conversely, Dortmund managed limited threat until late, with their response highlighting Madrid’s momentary lapse in concentration.

Defensively, Courtois was exceptional beyond his final save. His presence steadied Madrid amid chaos. Despite Huijsen’s dismissal, veteran composure from midfield anchor Aurélien Tchouaméni helped weather the storm and preserve the narrow lead.

Hook, Reaction and What Comes Next

The match began with a respectful minute’s silence in memory of the late footballers Diogo Jota and André Silva, which impacted both locker rooms. After the final whistle, Alonso expressed strong praise for Courtois’s performance, which proved decisive in the closing moments.

Real Madrid will now face Paris Saint-Germain, featuring the returning Mbappé, in the semi-final on July 8. This sets up a compelling reunion between the French superstar and his former club.

Burnley have stunned the football world by signing England veteran Kyle Walker from Manchester City for around £5 million, in a deal that spans two years. The 35‑year‑old right‑back, capped 96 times by his country and decorated with 17 trophies at City, is undergoing medical tests at Turf Moor and is expected to officially join the newly promoted side imminently.

Walker, who spent the latter half of the season on loan at AC Milan and was conspicuous by his absence from City’s Club World Cup squad, elected Burnley over interest from Everton and Fenerbahçe. His arrival is more than symbolic: a reunion with manager Scott Parker, his former Tottenham teammate, and a high‑profile boost to Burnley’s bid to stay up in the Premier League.

Burnley have actively targeted experienced players this offseason—Walker joins a bolster of arrivals, including Axel Tuanzebe, Quilindschy Hartman, Max Weiss, Bashir Humphreys, Marcus Edwards, and Jaidon Anthony—to solidify their squad depth. Financially, Manchester City benefit too, saving approximately £5–10 million in wages by offloading Walker.

So what’s next? Walker is set to feature in Burnley’s pre-season fixtures and will likely become a key defensive leader at Turf Moor. With ambitions to reach 100 England caps, staying in England’s top tier with playing time at Burnley may bolster his national team prospects.

Chelsea booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a narrow but hard-earned 2–1 victory over Palmeiras in Philadelphia.

Goals from Cole Palmer and a late own goal by Weverton were enough to edge out the spirited Brazilian side, who had drawn level through teenage sensation Estêvão Willian.

Palmer Gives Chelsea Early Advantage

Chelsea began the match on the front foot, dictating the tempo and pressing high up the pitch. Their dominance paid off in the 16th minute when Cole Palmer opened the scoring.

The midfielder picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and guided a low, left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton with no chance.

The Premier League side continued to create chances, with Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke threatening down both flanks. However, Palmeiras stood firm and went into the break trailing by just a single goal.

Estêvão Shines with Stunning Equalizer

Palmeiras emerged from the break with renewed energy and got their reward in the 53rd minute. Estêvão Willian, the 18-year-old forward set to join Chelsea in 2026, produced a moment of brilliance. Receiving the ball on the right, he cut inside and unleashed a curling left-footed strike from outside the box that flew past Djordje Petrović to make it 1–1.

It was a fitting goal on a big stage and a reminder of the immense talent Chelsea have secured for the future.

Weverton Own Goal Seals Chelsea Win

As the match appeared to be heading for extra time, Chelsea found a breakthrough in the 83rd minute in bizarre fashion. Right-back Malo Gusto whipped in a low cross that deflected off Palmeiras defender Agustín Giay, ricocheted off Weverton, and trickled into the net for an own goal. It was a cruel blow for the Brazilian side after a resilient second-half performance.

Palmeiras pushed for another equalizer in the final minutes, but Chelsea’s defence stood tall, with Levi Colwill and Axel Disasi clearing multiple dangerous deliveries into the box.

Up Next

Chelsea will now face Fluminense in the semi-finals at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Tuesday. Palmeiras exit the tournament at the quarter-final stage but leave with pride intact, especially thanks to Estêvão’s standout performance.

Final Score:

Palmeiras 1–2 Chelsea

Scorers:

Chelsea: Cole Palmer (16’), Weverton (own goal, 83’) Palmeiras: Estêvão Willian (53’)

Man of the Match: Cole Palmer

Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Attendance: 65,782