The clash between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid is one of the most electrifying matchups in European football, embodying a blend of tradition, talent, and memorable moments that have delighted football enthusiasts worldwide.
While Real Madrid boasts an illustrious history laden with numerous domestic and international titles, Borussia Dortmund has carved out a niche as a resilient and dynamic force in German and European football.
As these two giants continue to compete at the highest levels, their encounters have produced some of the most thrilling moments in the Champions League and other competitions.
In this blog, we explore the timeline of key moments and matches between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, highlighting the drama and excitement that define this European rivalry.
A Brief History of Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid
The rivalry took a prominent stage mainly through their numerous Champions League encounters, where both clubs have experienced their fair share of triumphs and defeats.
Dortmund’s fearless attacking style has often clashed spectacularly with Real Madrid’s star-studded lineup, leading to high-scoring games and unforgettable football nights.

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One of the defining periods of this rivalry came during the late 1990s and early 2000s when Dortmund consistently challenged Europe’s elite, and more recently during the 2010s, when they met multiple times in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
| Statistic | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid |
| Total Matches Played | 16 | 16 |
| Wins | 4 | 9 |
| Draws | 3 | 3 |
| Losses | 9 | 4 |
| Goals Scored | 20 | 30 |
| Goals Conceded | 30 | 20 |
| Highest Win | 4:1 (2013) | 5:2 (2024) |
| Largest Loss | 0:3 (2014), 2:5 (2024) | 0:2 (2014), 2:0 (2013) |
| Win Percentage | 25% | 56.25% |
| Goal Difference | -10 | +10 |
Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Head-to-Head Record

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Here’s a detailed look at some of the recent key encounters between the two teams, complete with match specifics like date, venue, and attendance:
| Date | Home Team | Away Team | Score | Winner |
| 22.10.2024 | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid | 2:5 | Real Madrid |
| 01.06.2024 | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 06.12.2017 | Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund | 3:2 | Real Madrid |
| 26.09.2017 | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid | 1:3 | Real Madrid |
| 07.12.2016 | Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund | 2:2 | Draw |
| 27.09.2016 | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid | 2:2 | Draw |
| 08.04.2014 | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid | 2:0 | Borussia Dortmund |
| 02.04.2014 | Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund | 3:0 | Real Madrid |
| 30.04.2013 | Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
| 24.04.2013 | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid | 4:1 | Borussia Dortmund |
| 06.11.2012 | Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund | 2:2 | Draw |
| 24.10.2012 | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Borussia Dortmund |
| 25.02.2003 | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 19.02.2003 | Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund | 2:1 | Real Madrid |
| 15.04.1998 | Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid | 0:0 | Draw |
| 01.04.1998 | Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
Key Moments in Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Timeline
- 2013 Champions League Semi-finals: The first leg in Dortmund remains one of the most iconic matches in Dortmund’s history. Robert Lewandowski’s four goals against a star-studded Real Madrid in a 4-1 victory is a feat remembered by all Dortmund fans and regarded as one of the most outstanding individual performances in the history of the Champions League.
- 2014 Champions League Quarter-finals: Despite losing the first leg 3-0 in Madrid, Dortmund fought back in the second leg at home, winning 2-0 and narrowly missing out on a miraculous comeback. This match showcased Dortmund’s resilience and fighting spirit against Europe’s finest.
- 2016 Group Stage Encounters: Both group stage matches ended in thrilling 2-2 draws, with each team showcasing their offensive prowess. These games highlighted the evenly matched nature of the teams during this period and provided fans with a total of eight goals over two matches.
- 2017 Quarter-finals: A tight match saw Real Madrid edge out Dortmund with a 3-2 victory in Dortmund, demonstrating the high stakes and tight competition typical of encounters between these two clubs.
- 2024 Group Stage: Real Madrid handed Borussia Dortmund a 5-2 defeat at home, showcasing their dominance and tactical superiority in this latest chapter of their storied rivalry.
Iconic Moments in Dortmund vs Real Madrid Clashes
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- Robert Lewandowski’s Four Goals (2013): An unforgettable night that cemented Lewandowski’s reputation as one of the world’s top strikers.
- Dortmund’s Nearly Comeback (2014): The 2-0 victory in the second leg of the 2014 quarter-finals almost reversed a three-goal deficit, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of the Champions League.
Conclusion: The Future of the Rivalry
As Real Madrid continues to compete at the top with a strategy focused on star acquisitions and high-profile managers, Dortmund remains committed to developing young talent and playing exciting football.
The future meetings between these clubs promise to be as thrilling as their past encounters, with both teams looking to assert their dominance on the European stage.
With both clubs consistently participating in the Champions League, fans can look forward to more electrifying matches that highlight the best of European football.
The rivalry between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid is a testament to the enduring appeal and competitive nature of international club football, offering a blend of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and the raw passion of the beautiful game.
FAQ
Who has scored the most goals in a single match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid?
Robert Lewandowski holds the record for the most goals in a single match, scoring four goals in the 2013 Champions League semi-finals first leg.
Which team has won the most recent encounter between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid?
Real Madrid won the most recent encounter, defeating Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League group stage.
What was the largest attendance recorded in a match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid?
The largest recorded attendance was 86,212 during the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Final.
Have Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid ever faced each other in a UEFA Champions League Final?
Yes, they faced each other in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Final where Real Madrid won 2-0.
What is the most common result in matches between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid?
The 2:2 draw has been a common result, occurring multiple times during group stage encounters.
Which player’s performance is most remembered in the Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid clashes?
Robert Lewandowski’s performance in 2013, where he scored four goals in one match, is the most iconic.
How often have Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid met in the UEFA Champions League?
Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid have met multiple times in the UEFA Champions League, including group stages, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final, spanning across several seasons from the late 1990s to the 2020s.
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