Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a moment of brilliance to set up Gonzalo García’s winning goal as Real Madrid edged past Juventus 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
In a closely contested match in front of 62,149 fans, it was Alexander-Arnold’s superb second-half cross that separated the two European giants. The England international, making his fourth consecutive start under Xabi Alonso, swung in a pinpoint delivery which García powered into the top corner with a well-timed header in the 54th minute.
The goal marked García’s third of the tournament and continued his breakout run in a Madrid shirt. The 21-year-old striker, a product of the club’s youth system, is rapidly earning comparisons with Real Madrid legend Raúl González. His movement, composure, and end product have been vital to Madrid’s progress so far, and once again, he rose to the occasion.
Real Madrid lined up in Alonso’s now-familiar 5-3-2 formation, which emphasizes control and wide play. Though effective in possession, the system left the Spanish side exposed in the opening stages. Juventus could have taken the lead when Kenan Yildiz released Randal Kolo Muani through on goal. The Frenchman had only Thibaut Courtois to beat but chipped his shot onto the roof of the net.
The Serie A side continued to look dangerous, with Yildiz testing Courtois from range and Michele Di Gregorio keeping Juventus in the game with a string of brilliant saves. Di Gregorio was arguably the standout performer for the Italians, producing stops to deny Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde in the first half, and thwarting García and Dean Huijsen early in the second.
Despite the chances, it was Real Madrid who found the breakthrough, with Alexander-Arnold’s delivery once again showing why he is regarded as one of the finest crossers in the game. The 25-year-old, who joined Madrid from Liverpool this summer, registered his first assist for the club and reminded fans of his creative pedigree—having racked up 92 assists in his time at Anfield.
Madrid’s control improved after the goal, with Arda Güler pulling the strings in midfield alongside Valverde and Bellingham. The trio helped Real see out the match with maturity, limiting Juventus to half-chances as the game wore on.
Juventus boss Igor Tudor will be left frustrated by his side’s inability to take their chances, especially in a first half where they were the better team. Kolo Muani’s miss and Yildiz’s deflected strike were key moments, and the lack of a clinical touch proved costly.
The win makes it three victories in a row for Alonso’s Real Madrid, who look increasingly confident under the former midfielder’s guidance. The Spanish giants now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
For Madrid, the victory represents more than just progression. It signals the rising influence of their next generation. García continues to grow in stature, Güler dazzles with every touch, and Alexander-Arnold has slotted in seamlessly on the right, combining experience with flair.
With Xabi Alonso at the helm and young stars stepping up, Real Madrid look like strong contenders for Club World Cup glory—and their fans have every reason to believe that the best is yet to come.
