Real Madrid's Champions League DNA Shines Through in Thrilling Comeback Against Dortmund

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Ancelotti went with his trusted 4-3-3 formation. Dortmund, weakened by injuries, set up to hit Madrid on the counter with a 4-2-3-1 formation.  
 
The game started cautiously, but Dortmund struck first in the 30th minute. Lucas Vázquez, caught in possession, was dispossessed by Brandt, who instantly released Guirassy down the left. With a deft touch, Guirassy held off Rüdiger and picked out Malen with a perfectly weighted pass who made no mistake, sliding the ball past Courtois. 
 
Disaster struck again for Madrid just four minutes later. Malen, tormenting the Madrid defence, left Mendy for dead with a dazzling display of footwork before whipping in a low cross that evaded Militao. Bynoe-Gittens, ghosting in unnoticed at the back post, had the simple task of guiding the ball into the net. 2-0. 
 
Madrid, stung by the two quick goals, unleashed a furious response. Rodrygo met a cross with a spectacular volley that cannoned off the crossbar and, in the ensuing chaos, Bellingham somehow struck the woodwork again from close range. Kobel then produced a magnificent save to deny a deflected effort, preserving Dortmund's lead as they entered half-time. 
 
Ancelotti kept faith with his players, and they came out fighting in the second half. The Bernabéu crowd roared them on, and the atmosphere was electric. Vinícius and Rodrygo both had chances early on, but Kobel was in top form. Then, in the 60th minute, the comeback began: Mbappé, showcasing his incredible talent, danced past his marker and delivered a pinpoint cross that found Rüdiger, who rose majestically to power a header past Kobel. 
 
Two minutes later, the Bernabéu erupted as Madrid equalised. Modric, with a pass of exquisite precision, sent Mbappé racing through on goal. Kobel did well to save Mbappé's initial effort, but the ball fell kindly for Vinicius, who reacted with lightning speed to poke the ball into the empty net. There was a moment of tension as the linesman's flag went up, but after a VAR review, the goal was given and the home crowd was sent into raptures. 
 
The momentum was now with Madrid, and they pressed for a winner. Kobel made another great save to deny Mbappé, and Courtois had to be alert to stop Dortmund from retaking the lead. But in the 83rd minute, Madrid's persistence paid off. Lucas Vázquez, atoning for his earlier error, found space on the right and unleashed a thunderous strike that rocketed past Kobel, sending the Bernabéu into delirium. 
 
With the crowd in full voice, Vinícius took centre stage. In the 86th minute, he collected a pass from Bellingham, left his marker bewildered with a sublime piece of skill, and raced clear down the left flank. Cutting inside, he unleashed an unstoppable shot that nestled in the far corner. 
 
And in the 93rd minute, with the Bernabéu reaching fever pitch, Vinícius put the icing on the cake, completing his hat-trick with a goal that will be replayed for years to come. Substitute Arda Güler, with a touch of genius, flicked the ball into the path of Vinícius. He showed incredible composure as he raced towards goal, leaving desperate Dortmund defenders in his dust. He then rounded Kobel with a touch of class before calmly slotting the ball into the empty net, sparking wild celebrations in the stands. It was the perfect ending to a remarkable comeback, a testament to Real Madrid's never-say-never spirit, and a fitting reward for Vinicius's sensational individual performance.