Vinicius Junior Shines with a Hat-Trick in a Thrashing over Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in an exciting Champions League clash. Vinicius Junior was the standout player, scoring two goals and securing victory for the Madrid team at the Santiago Bernabéu. Check out the key moments and stats from the match.

Real Madrid powers to a home victory

Real Madrid entered the field determined to win, and from the start of the game, it was clear that the Madrid team would not make things easy for Borussia Dortmund. The match began evenly, but it was in the 30th minute that Donyell Malen opened the scoring for the visitors, taking advantage of a precise pass from Sehrou Guirassy. Dortmund doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Jamie Gittens found the net after an assist from Malen, putting the German team in a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Immediate response from Real Madrid

However, Real Madrid didn’t take long to respond. Just six minutes after Dortmund’s second goal, Antonio Rudiger narrowed the gap with a precise header from a Kylian Mbappé cross, making it 2-1. The quick response from the Madrid side ignited the fans, and the team continued to press until, in the 62nd minute, Vinicius Junior equalized, sending the Santiago Bernabéu into a frenzy.

The confirmation of the goal came with the help of VAR, which validated the strike and boosted the team’s confidence to keep attacking. The equalizer gave the match new momentum, with Real Madrid adopting an even more offensive stance, determined to take the lead.

Second-half comeback

In the 83rd minute, Lucas Vazquez scored the third goal, putting Real Madrid ahead for the first time. The player, who had been performing consistently, was rewarded with the goal that changed the game’s dynamic. Borussia Dortmund tried to respond, but the substitutions made by coach Carlo Ancelotti increased the intensity of the Madrid side, which continued to dominate midfield actions.

Vinicius Junior, who had already leveled the score, shone again in the 86th minute with a precise strike, extending the lead to 4-2. The assist came from Jude Bellingham, who found the necessary space to set up Vinicius in the opponent’s area.

Late goal seals the score

When the victory seemed secured, Vinicius Junior struck again in the 90+3 minute, sealing the score at 5-2. The young Brazilian striker was the standout player of the match, not only for his goals but also for his leadership and skill in crucial moments. His performance secured three vital points for Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage.

Match stats

• Possession: Real Madrid 58% – 42% Borussia Dortmund
• Shots on goal: Real Madrid 14 – 8 Borussia Dortmund
• Corners: Real Madrid 8 – 5 Borussia Dortmund
• Fouls committed: Real Madrid 12 – 15 Borussia Dortmund
• Yellow cards: Real Madrid 1 (Vinicius Junior) – 0 Borussia Dortmund

Key substitutions and decisive strategies

Substitutions played a fundamental role in Real Madrid’s victory. Ancelotti made precise changes, altering the game’s rhythm and offering new attacking options. The introduction of Aurélien Tchouaméni for Rodrygo in the 85th minute brought fresh energy to the midfield, allowing Real Madrid to maintain pressure on the opposition. Dani Ceballos, who came on in the final minutes to replace Kylian Mbappé, helped control the tempo and close down spaces for Dortmund’s possible counterattacks.

Crucial moments

• 30th minute: Donyell Malen opens the scoring for Dortmund.
• 34th minute: Jamie Gittens makes it 2-0.
• 60th minute: Antonio Rudiger reduces the deficit with a precise header.
• 62nd minute: Vinicius Junior equalizes the match, 2-2.
• 83rd minute: Lucas Vazquez scores the third for Real Madrid.
• 86th minute: Vinicius Junior extends the lead to 4-2 with a clinical finish.
• 90+3 minute: Vinicius Junior seals the 5-2 victory.

Individual highlights

Vinicius Junior was the standout player of the match, with two assists and two goals, leading the team both in attack and defense. Kylian Mbappé also played an important role, contributing a decisive assist for Rudiger’s goal. For Dortmund, Donyell Malen was one of the most dangerous players, with a goal and an assist, but it wasn’t enough to withstand the pressure from the Spanish side.

Tactical analysis and game progression

Real Madrid showed great resilience, overcoming a tough start and turning the game around convincingly. The team exploited Borussia Dortmund’s defensive weaknesses, particularly in the final minutes, taking advantage of the German side’s physical weariness. As for Dortmund, despite a strong start, they couldn’t maintain the intensity needed to cope with Real Madrid’s constant pressure.

Interesting facts from the match

• Real Madrid maintained an unbeaten streak of seven consecutive home games against Borussia Dortmund.
• Borussia Dortmund, known for scoring late goals, found resistance in the defensive tactics implemented by Ancelotti.
• This was the first match of the season where Real Madrid scored five goals, a clear demonstration of the team’s offensive power when playing at the Santiago Bernabéu.