Vinicius Jr’s Hat-Trick Sparks Real Madrid’s Stunning 5-2 Comeback over Dortmund
In a breathtaking UEFA Champions League encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a sensational 5-2 victory against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr was the hero of the night, delivering a remarkable hat-trick that reignited Los Blancos’ European campaign.
The match, a thrilling rematch of last season’s final, saw Dortmund seize the initiative with a rapid-fire double around the 30-minute mark. Goals from Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens stunned the home crowd, casting a shadow over Real Madrid’s hopes.
However, the reigning champions emerged from the halftime break with renewed vigor. Antonio Rüdiger ignited the comeback with a powerful header on the hour, reducing the deficit and shifting the momentum. Vinicius Jr then leveled the score with a clinical close-range finish, showcasing his predatory instincts.
As the clock ticked down, Lucas Vázquez unleashed an unstoppable strike in the 83rd minute, capping off a swift counter-attack to put Real Madrid ahead. Vinicius Jr sealed the emphatic win with two moments of individual brilliance, bringing his goal tally to three and leaving Borussia Dortmund reeling.
The victory brings Real Madrid level with Dortmund in group standings, both teams amassing six points from three games, setting the stage for a fiercely contested path to the knockout stages.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, still fine-tuning his squad following the retirement of midfield maestro Toni Kroos, reverted to his familiar 4-3-3 formation. This tactical shift followed an experimental lineup in their recent LaLiga outing, an unconvincing 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.
Despite a shaky start that saw the defense lapse in concentration, leading to Dortmund’s early goals, Real Madrid’s resilience shone through. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois played a pivotal role, making crucial saves to deny efforts from Gittens and Julian Brandt, keeping his side within reach before the offensive onslaught in the second half.
This exhilarating match underscores the unpredictable nature of Champions League football, with Real Madrid demonstrating why they remain one of Europe’s elite clubs. Fans across Asia and the world will eagerly anticipate how this momentum carries forward in the competition.
Reference(s):
UCL: Real's Vinicius grabs hat-trick in 5-2 comeback win over Dortmund
cgtn.com
