Real Madrid Dominate RB Salzburg to Cruise into Club World Cup Last 16
Wow, what a commanding performance from Real Madrid as they took on Red Bull Salzburg in the final match of Group H at the FIFA Club World Cup. The match, played at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, was not just a test of tactical change but a real statement of intent from Xabi Alonso’s newly shaped side. Real walked away with a solid 3-0 win, securing top spot in the group and punching their ticket to the last 16.
Let’s talk about the new system first. Alonso rolled out a 3-5-2 formation — quite a shift from the traditional 4-3-3 that fans got used to under Ancelotti and Zidane. With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran GarcÃa operating as wing-backs, the team looked fluid and full of attacking threat. Aurelien Tchouaméni dropped into a central defensive role alongside Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen, giving the backline a solid but flexible look.
The game started with Real Madrid controlling possession comfortably, but Salzburg stayed organized early on. That didn’t last long though. VinÃcius Júnior broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with a slick, low finish after dancing past defenders — vintage Vini. He wasn’t done. Just before halftime, he turned provider with a clever backheel that set Federico Valverde up for a well-taken goal in stoppage time. At that point, it was clear Real were not just here to win — they were here to send a message.
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The second half saw Madrid continue their dominance, with the young academy product Gonzalo GarcÃa adding the third goal in the 84th minute, finishing coolly with a chip that capped off a brilliant team performance.
One of the standout moments came post-match when VinÃcius Jr said, “We’re taking it step-by-step. Of course, we can’t fully adapt to the coach’s ideas so quickly, it takes time. But today was a good game for that, especially in the first half.” That shows there’s even more to come from this team — and that’s a scary thought for their next opponents.
With this win, Real Madrid finish the group stage unbeaten with 7 points. They now move on to face Juventus in Florida on July 1st. Salzburg, despite showing flashes of promise in earlier matches, just didn’t have the firepower to keep up and finished third in the group with four points.
If tonight was anything to go by, Real Madrid’s blend of youthful energy and tactical evolution under Alonso could make them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament. One thing’s for sure — the kings of Europe are aiming to rule the world once again.
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