Kylian Mbappe made a sensational impact in Real Madrid's thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-final. The French star, who had missed the group stage due to gastroenteritis, came off the bench to score a breathtaking overhead kick in stoppage time. This goal restored Madrid's two-goal lead after Maximilian Beier had given Dortmund late hope.

Meanwhile, Gonzalo Garcia continued his scintillating form, scoring within the first 10 minutes with a sweetly struck first-time volley from Arda Guler's cross. Garcia, who has scored or assisted in every game prior to this match, is now level on four competition goals with Benfica's Angel di Maria and Al-Hilal's Marcos Leonardo.

Former England international Andros Townsend praised Garcia's finish, calling it an 'expert finish' that gave the goalkeeper no chance. Garcia's performance has given manager Xabi Alonso a welcome selection headache as Madrid prepares for their semi-final showdown with reigning European champions Paris St-Germain.

Garcia's opener in New Jersey was one of only two touches in the Dortmund area, but he was by no means a bystander, making 27 overall touches, the majority down the right-hand side. He ended the game with an overall xG of 0.8, more than any other player on the pitch.

Alonso's decision to take off Brazil forward Vinicius Jr nearly 20 minutes before withdrawing Garcia speaks volumes about his standing in the Madrid squad. Newcastle striker Callum Wilson highlighted Garcia's work-rate and the respect he deserves for his consistent performances.

Alonso, who has compared Garcia to legendary Real Madrid and Spain striker Raul Gonzalez, was full of praise for the 21-year-old. Garcia, who has been part of the Madrid set-up since the age of 10, made his first-team debut in November 2022 and scored his first senior goal in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals against Leganes in February 2025.

As for Mbappe, five of his 12 touches after replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold came inside the Dortmund box. Alonso will be delighted that the Frenchman was back on the scoresheet in such spectacular fashion, a goal which ultimately proved the match-winner.

Wednesday's semi-final is set to be an emotional occasion for Mbappe as he prepares to face his former club for the first time since leaving them last summer. However, with Garcia continuing to shine, the 26-year-old superstar may once again have to settle for a place on the bench against Luis Enrique's side.