Philadelphia, USA – June 27, 2025 – Real Madrid asserted their dominance in the FIFA Club World Cup, delivering a convincing 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field. The win, powered by goals from Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia, ensured Los Blancos topped Group H and booked their place in the Round of 16, where they will face Juventus.
First Half Flourish Sets the Tone
From the outset, Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, looked a more fluid and determined side than in their previous group stage encounters. They dictated possession and pressed Salzburg high, creating several early opportunities. The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute, a moment of individual brilliance from Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian latched onto a pinpoint pass from Jude Bellingham, skillfully checked inside his marker, and unleashed a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Just before the halftime whistle, Madrid doubled their advantage. Vinicius Junior was at the heart of it again, providing a delightful backheel assist to Federico Valverde, who calmly slotted the ball home. This crucial goal gave Real Madrid a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the break, reflecting their superior control and clinical finishing.
Second Half Control and a Late Clincher
The second half saw Real Madrid maintain their disciplined shape, stifling any attempts by Salzburg to mount a comeback. While the Austrian side showed flashes of attacking intent, Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal remained largely untroubled, making a couple of good saves when called upon.
As the game drew to a close, Real Madrid put the result beyond any doubt. In the 84th minute, young Gonzalo Garcia, stepping up admirably in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, sealed the victory with a cool, chipped finish over the Salzburg goalkeeper after dispossessing Joane Gadou. This goal was Garcia’s second of the tournament, highlighting his growing influence.
Key Performances
Vinicius Junior was undoubtedly the star of the show, earning widespread praise for his goal and exquisite assist. Jude Bellingham delivered another industrious performance in midfield, contributing significantly to both attack and defense, including a vital block. Federico Valverde’s consistent energy and well-taken goal were also instrumental. For Salzburg, Oscar Gloukh showed some moments of quality, but the team collectively struggled to break down Real Madrid’s resolute defense.
Tactical Masterclass from Alonso
Xabi Alonso opted for a tactical setup reminiscent of his Bayer Leverkusen days, deploying three center-backs (Dean Huijsen, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Antonio Rüdiger) with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia operating as dynamic wing-backs. This formation provided defensive solidity while allowing Madrid to exploit the flanks with attacking prowess. While there were some minor defensive lapses, particularly on the left side, the overall system proved highly effective in controlling the game and generating scoring opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With this commanding victory, Real Madrid confidently secure the top spot in Group H with seven points, having won two and drawn one of their group games. RB Salzburg, with four points, are now eliminated from the tournament. Real Madrid will now turn their attention to a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash against Italian giants Juventus, set to take place in Miami on Tuesday. This promises to be a thrilling encounter between two European heavyweights.
