Club World Cup 2025, Real Madrid vs Salzburg 3-0
- Result: Real Madrid 3‑0 FC Salzburg
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Group H
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- Goals: Vinícius Júnior 35’ ⚽ | Federico Valverde 42’ ⚽ | Gonzalo García 88’ ⚽
- Player of the Match: Vinícius Júnior
A Night Madrid Needed to Win — And Did
Real Madrid vs Salzburg 3-0, Both teams began the final group game level on four points, but Madrid’s superior goal difference meant a draw would have been enough for the Spanish giants. New boss Xabi Alonso, though, sent his team out to finish the job with style rather than caution. The result was a smooth, professional 3‑0 display that secured top spot and a Round‑of‑16 tie with Juventus on July 1 in Miami.
First‑Half Spark, Vinícius Leads the Charge
Vinícius Strikes First
Madrid owned the ball from kick‑off, yet Salzburg’s tight mid‑block survived until the 35‑minute mark. Then Jude Bellingham clipped a 40‑yard diagonal over the Austrian back line. Vinícius killed it in stride, cut inside onto his weaker right foot and whipped a low drive inside the near post. A tricky finish looked easy because of his composure.
Valverde Makes it Two
Salzburg hardly had time to settle before Vinícius struck again—this time with creativity. He danced down the left, back‑heeled a short pass across the box and watched Federico Valverde arrive like a steam train to bury a first‑time shot. Madrid entered half‑time 2‑0 up and completely in control.
Second‑Half Control, No Drama, Just Discipline
Game Management Over Glamour
Alonso’s side dialed back the tempo after the break. Antonio Rüdiger, returning from knee surgery, and 20‑year‑old Dean Huijsen marshalled a back three that left Salzburg feeding on scraps. When the Austrians did escape, Thibaut Courtois covered calmly, finishing with two routine saves and a clean sheet.
García’s Late Dagger
With eight minutes left, Vinícius drifted central and slid a through‑ball for substitute Gonzalo García. The academy graduate lifted a delicate dink over teenage goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky to seal the night at 3‑0. For a player fighting to stay in the XI once Kylian Mbappé shakes off illness, it was a timely reminder of his value.
Stand‑Out Performers
| Player | Why He Shone |
|---|---|
| Vinícius Júnior (9/10) | Goal, assist, and relentless dribbling that bent Salzburg out of shape. |
| Federico Valverde (8/10) | Covered ground everywhere and finished Vinícius’ back‑heel with authority. |
| Jude Bellingham (8/10) | One‑touch passes kept Madrid ticking; trademark long ball produced the opener. |
| Dean Huijsen (8/10) | Unruffled in possession and strong in the air—remarkable maturity for 20. |
| Antonio Rüdiger (7/10) | First start post‑injury; read danger well and barked instructions all night. |
What the Result Means
- Group Winners: Madrid finish on seven points, avoiding Manchester City in the next round.
- Momentum for Alonso: After a shaky start to the tournament, Madrid finally looked fluid in attack and compact in defence.
- Garcia’s Case for Minutes: Two goals in two games while Mbappé recovers—exactly the competition Alonso wants up front.
- Defensive Depth: With Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy injured, makeshift roles for Trent Alexander‑Arnold (wing‑back) and Aurélien Tchouaméni (auxiliary centre‑back) worked without a hitch.
- Salzburg’s Mountain: The Austrian side needed a win; instead they exit the tournament after showing flashes of quality but lacking cutting edge.
Madrid now travel south to Miami for a Round‑of‑16 duel with Juventus on July 1. Salzburg fly home but can take heart from teenage talents Oscar Gloukh and Edmund Baidoo, who looked fearless in flashes. For Los Blancos, tougher tests loom, yet this measured win suggests Alonso’s new‑look side is starting to click at exactly the right moment.
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