After missing Real Madrid’s entire group stage following hospitalization with acute gastroenteritis, Mbappé made his comeback as a substitute in the round of 16 win over Juventus. But there remained doubts about his match fitness going into the quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund and the Frenchman again had to settle for coming off the bench.

The glitz and glamor that are a defining element of the Real Madrid experience were on full display at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, complete with the Club World Cup's second-biggest crowd so far and a win over Borussia Dortmund to book a spot in the semifinals.

Ahead of the clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, head coach Xabi Alonso shared his perspective on the present and future of Arda Güler, one of the most promising young talents in the squad.