By Vinicius Junior netted a hat-trick as Real Madrid staged an incredible second-half comeback, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to defeat Borussia Dortmund 5-2.
Dortmund took control in the first half with goals from Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens, mirroring last year’s final, which Real Madrid won 2-0.
However, the tide turned after halftime when Antonio Rudiger scored with a powerful header in the 60th minute, followed by Vinicius equalizing just two minutes later.
Captain Lucas Vazquez then put the hosts ahead with a well-placed finish from a tight angle in the 83rd minute.
Vinicius sealed the victory with two late goals, both stemming from impressive solo runs that left Dortmund scrambling.
Dortmund seemed poised to snap Real Madrid’s 14-match unbeaten streak at home in the Champions League during the first half. Even at 2-2, skipper Julian Brandt had a close-range shot brilliantly saved by Real keeper Thibaut Courtois.
Less than a minute later, Vazquez capitalized on the momentum to give Real the lead.
Real had struggled offensively before the break, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham failing to connect, despite Bellingham hitting the underside of the bar while his team was trailing.
Inspired by Vinicius, who is a favorite to win next Monday’s Ballon d’Or, the home side surged ahead after the break.
Vinicius’ second goal was particularly striking, as he picked up the ball in his own half, sped down the left flank, and fired a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
With this victory, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has secured two wins and one loss in their three league phase matches, matching Dortmund’s record.
Notably, Gittens, at 20 years and 75 days old, became the youngest Englishman to score against Real Madrid, breaking Alan Smith’s previous record set in March 2001.
Source: BBC
