Real Madrid produced one of the biggest performances of the night, as Vinicius Jr. scored three goals in a 5-2 demolition of Borussia Dortmund.
What happened at the Bernabeu
In a game where two of Europe’s biggest heavyweights came together at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Champions League group game produced one for the classics.
Dortmund, coming into the match with two wins from two games in the new format, started the game against the hosts very well, and relentlessly threatened the Madrid goal.
The German side opened the scoring in the 30th minute after Donyell Malen brushed off Real Madrid defender Eder Miltao to score after he was played through by teammate striker Serhou Guirassy.
Five minutes later, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens doubled Dortmund’s lead 2-0, as he tapped home at the back post from Dutchman Malen’s cross.
Real Madrid struggled to finish off any opportunities created during the opening half, as most of them did not affect the Dortmund goal.
Jude Bellingham looked through on goal after a wonderful lobbed pass from striker Kylian Mbappe but the Englishman’s tame soft header failed to trouble Gregor Kobel in the Dortmund goal.
The Los Blancos struggled to break the Dortmund resistance, even having two shots smash off the crossbar. First, Bellingham tested Kobel in goal but his powerful shot came off the bar and so did Rodrygo Goes but his attempt also failed.
Dortmund was joyous going into half-time 2-0 up in Spain, Madrid needed a turnaround and fast.
The German side started the second half under pressure from Real Madrid, failing to clear their chances in the opening few minutes. The Los Blancos were knocking on the Dortmund goal.
The Los Blancos struggled to break the Dortmund resistance, even having two shots smash off the crossbar. First, Bellingham tested Kobel in goal but his powerful shot came off the bar and so did Rodrygo Goes but his attempt also failed.
Dortmund was joyous going into half-time 2-0 up in Spain, Madrid needed a turnaround and fast.
Dortmund started the second half under pressure from Real Madrid, failing to clear their chances in the opening few minutes. The Los Blancos were knocking on the Dortmund goal.
Real Madrid, with two quickfire second-half goals, had the Bernabeu cheering when Antonio Rudiger pulled a goal back in the 60th minute with a bullet header from Mbappe’s cross.
Immediately, two minutes later, Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck tried to close down Madrid striker Mbappe, following a pass from Luka Modric but lost sight of the ball.
The ball kindly fell to Brazilian golden Vinicius Jr who slotted home Madrid’s equaliser for 2-2, leaving Kobel helpless in the Dortmund goal.
Dortmund were out of shape and crumbling, while Madrid had momentum on their side possibly with an unlikely win on their minds.
Youngster Maxi Beier, who came on as a second-half substitute for Dortmund, tested Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois but was unsuccessful with his shot, and the game was still level at 2-2 with 15 minutes left.
Los Blancos captain Lucas Vazquez sent the entire stadium into uproar after he made it 3-2 in the 83rd minute with his driven shot ripped into the net from a tight angle.
The man of the moment Vinicius Jr - who is a strong favorite for the prestigious Ballon d’Or running on Monday - scored two late goals both incredible solo runs to put the game to bed for Real Madrid and out of Dortmund’s reach to seal a stunning 5-2 victory.
Vinicius inspires in Real Madrid win
Vinicius Jr inspired Madrid to victory after his stunning performance against Dortmund in the Champions League league phase.
The Germans looked on course to shock the Los Blancos, especially to end their 14-match unbeaten home run in the competition.
Vinicius’ second goal was special as he collected the ball deep from his half of the pitch, racing down the left wing and leaving Dortmund defender Schlotterbeck behind before impressively finishing home from the edge of the box.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Los Blancos team has two wins from their opening three games in the league phase. The 15-time European champions moved into ninth place.
What is next in the Champions League?
Real Madrid’s next game in the Champions League is a home match against seven-time winner AC Milan.
Borussia Dortmund stay fifth in the table with six points after three games. The Black and Yellows host Sturm Graz of Austria in matchday four of their Champions League campaign.
