Real Madrid hold off Juventus to reach quarters of FIFA Club World Cup
Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his growing influence at Real Madrid with a well-crafted assist as Xabi Alonso’s side edged past Juventus to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup.
The England international, making his fourth straight start for Madrid, delivered a pinpoint cross early in the second half that Gonzalo Garcia headed home decisively in a 1-0 victory at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Alonso, continuing with a 5-3-2 formation, saw his team ride their luck in the opening period.
Juventus threatened to break the deadlock through Randal Kolo Muani, who blazed over from a promising position after being released by Kenan Yildiz. The Turkish youngster also saw a powerful strike deflected wide during an assertive spell for the Serie A side.
Madrid struggled to gain a foothold in the first half but had flashes of quality. Jude Bellingham forced a smart save from Michele Di Gregorio, while Federico Valverde was denied by a remarkable one-handed stop from the Juventus goalkeeper.
Di Gregorio continued to shine after the break, thwarting both Bellingham and Dean Huijsen in quick succession.
However, there was little he could do to prevent Garcia from powering home a header in the 54th minute — a goal created by Alexander-Arnold’s curling delivery from deep on the right.
Real Madrid winning goal from every Angle
“Gonzalo Garcia header with Trent Alexander cross” pic.twitter.com/08DqD1KUAAGarcia’s effort, his third of the tournament, ensured Madrid maintained their unbeaten run under Alonso. The 21-year-old forward has now scored or assisted in each of his appearances, further fuelling comparisons with club legend Raúl González.
The goal proved enough for the Spanish giants, who later introduced Kylian Mbappé for his tournament debut after recovering from a bout of gastroenteritis. The Frenchman replaced Garcia with just over 20 minutes to play.
Madrid, who have now won 14 of their last 15 Club World Cup fixtures, will face Borussia Dortmund next in the quarter-final on July 5.
Juventus, meanwhile, will regroup at a summer training camp in Germany as they prepare for the 2025–26 Serie A season, which begins on August 23.
Alexander-Arnold’s assist may signal the start of a fruitful chapter at the Bernabéu. The former Liverpool full-back contributed 92 assists in 354 appearances during his Anfield tenure — more than any Premier League defender over the same span.
Madrid fans will hope this delivery is a taste of what’s to come.