Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: 5 Classic Matches Ahead of Club World Cup Clash

As the football world anticipates a potential blockbuster clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, it's worth revisiting the rich tapestry of their past encounters. These two European giants, synonymous with passion, tactical brilliance, and a flair for the dramatic, have forged a compelling rivalry primarily within the crucible of the UEFA Champions League. Their history is littered with high-stakes battles, iconic goals, and moments that have etched themselves into the annals of football lore, setting a thrilling precedent for any future showdown.

One of the earliest and most significant chapters in their shared history unfolded in the 1997-98 Champions League semi-finals. Real Madrid, under Jupp Heynckes, faced the reigning champions Borussia Dortmund. The first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu is famously remembered for the collapse of a goalpost, delaying the match by over an hour, but Real Madrid ultimately secured a crucial 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Fernando Morientes and Christian Karembeu. The return leg in Dortmund ended in a goalless draw, sending Los Blancos to the final, where they would famously lift their seventh European Cup, ending a 32-year drought. This set the tone for a rivalry defined by high stakes and dramatic turns.

Fast forward to the 2012-13 season, a period that saw Dortmund, under Jürgen Klopp, rise as a formidable force. They met Real Madrid twice in the group stage, with Dortmund emerging victorious at home (2-1) and securing a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Bernabéu. However, their most memorable clash that season came in the semi-finals. The first leg in Dortmund was an unforgettable night, as Robert Lewandowski delivered a masterclass, scoring all four goals in a stunning 4-1 victory for BVB. Despite a valiant 2-0 effort from Real Madrid in the second leg, Dortmund held on to win 4-3 on aggregate, showcasing their tactical prowess and the raw power of their attacking talent, denying Madrid another shot at La Décima.

The rivalry continued to deliver excitement in the 2016-17 Champions League group stage, where both matches ended in pulsating 2-2 draws. In Dortmund, André Schürrle scored a late equalizer for BVB, while at the Bernabéu, Marco Reus netted an 88th-minute goal to snatch a point for the Germans, despite two goals from Karim Benzema. These games perfectly encapsulated the back-and-forth nature of their contests, with both teams demonstrating resilience and an attacking mindset. The following season, 2017-18, saw them again drawn together in the group stage. Real Madrid, then in the midst of their historic three-peat under Zinedine Zidane, won both encounters (3-1 away, 3-2 at home), with Cristiano Ronaldo playing a pivotal role, underscoring Madrid's dominant era but not without Dortmund providing stern resistance and making for entertaining fixtures.