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.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has provided a fascinating insight into the crucial role played by one particular member of his squad against Borussia Dortmund.Real, of course, are fresh off