Real Madrid are through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup after a 1-0 win over Juventus on Tuesday night in Miami.
The only goal of the match came in the 54th minute when Spanish forward Gonzalo Garcia headed in from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross. It was Garcia’s third goal of the tournament and sealed the win for the Spanish side at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Managed by Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid will now face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in the next round.
Strong Performance from Real Madrid
The game started with Juventus looking sharp. Young star Kenan Yildiz helped create an early chance for Randal Kolo Muani, but the French striker’s chip went over the bar. Yildiz also had a powerful shot deflected just wide by Aurelien Tchouameni.
Real Madrid slowly took control of the match. Jude Bellingham came close with a low shot, and Federico Valverde tested the Juventus keeper with a long-range effort. Alexander-Arnold also whipped a dangerous ball across the goal, but no one could finish.
Garcia Makes the Difference
After the break, Real kept up the pressure. Bellingham and Valverde both went close again before the breakthrough came. Alexander-Arnold delivered a perfect cross and Gonzalo Garcia rose to head it in and give Madrid the lead.
Juventus tried to respond, with Francisco Conceição forcing a save from Thibaut Courtois. But Madrid looked stronger and nearly scored again through Valverde’s overhead kick and a late shot from Arda Güler.
Mbappé Returns
There was more good news for Real fans as Kylian Mbappé returned from illness, coming on as a substitute in the 68th minute. The 62,000-strong crowd cheered as he stepped onto the pitch for his first appearance of the tournament.
In the end, one goal was enough. Real Madrid were solid at the back and dangerous going forward — and now they’re one step closer to the Club World Cup trophy.
