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Real Madrid staged a remarkable second-half comeback from 2-0 down to beat Borussia Dortmund 5-2, with Vinicius Jr leading the charge with a hat-trick.
Dortmund appeared in control at half-time, with goals from Donyell Malen and young Englishman Jamie Gittens giving them a comfortable lead in a rematch of last year’s final, which Real Madrid won 2-0.
The Spanish champions roared back in the second half. Antonio Rudiger’s towering header in the 60th minute cut the deficit, and just two minutes later, Vinicius Jr equalized with his first of the night. Captain Lucas Vazquez then gave Real the lead in the 83rd minute with a sharp finish from a tight angle.
Vinicius Jr sealed the victory with two more late goals, both coming after dazzling solo runs, to complete his hat-trick and take the game out of Dortmund’s reach.
Dortmund had a chance to retake the lead at 2-2, but Real keeper Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save with his feet to deny Julian Brandt’s close-range shot. Moments later, Vazquez put Real ahead, and Vinicius Jr’s brilliance ensured they stayed there.
Real Madrid struggled offensively in the first half, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham failing to connect effectively. Bellingham did hit the underside of the bar when they were 2-0 down, but it was Vinicius Jr’s second-half heroics that turned the tide.
The Brazilian winger’s second goal, a sensational solo effort from his own half, showcased his electric pace and precision, reinforcing why he is a strong favorite to win next Monday’s Ballon d’Or.
Both Real Madrid and Dortmund now have two wins and one loss from their three league phase matches.
Meanwhile, Jamie Gittens became the youngest Englishman to score against Real Madrid, surpassing Alan Smith’s record, set in 2001 while playing for Leeds.
