The first half between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, a match valid for the Club World Cup quarter-finals, saw clear dominance from the Blancos. Xabi Alonso deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with Bellingham and Vinicius supporting Gonzalo Garcia, who was preferred over Mbappé in the starting eleven. Kovac`s Borussia responded with a 3-4-2-1, relying on Guirassy in attack, supported by Brandt and Adeyemi.
The match had started well for the Germans, who came close to scoring in the 6th minute with a header from Brandt just wide. After overcoming this scare, Real Madrid took control of the game. The lead came in the 10th minute: Arda Guler crossed from the left flank, and Gonzalo Garcia scored with a clinical first-time finish. In the 20th minute, the lead was doubled: this time it was left-back Fran Garcia who scored, assisted by Alexander-Arnold.
Despite the two-goal advantage, Real Madrid continued to press the Borussia Dortmund area relentlessly. The Black and Yellows seemed in difficulty, managing only a couple of inconclusive attacking moves. The first half ended 2-0 for Real, with Borussia needing to find a strong reaction after the break.
