Alexander-Arnold's Assist Sends Real Madrid Past Juventus in Club World Cup
It was a clash that carried the weight of two football giants, and in the end, Real Madrid came out on top, edging past Juventus 1-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. This was a match played in the sizzling heat of Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, and it delivered drama, quality, and a decisive moment that could shape Madrid’s tournament going forward.
The winning goal arrived in the 54th minute, thanks to a brilliant connection between two players at different stages of their careers. Trent Alexander-Arnold, recently signed from Liverpool, whipped in a trademark inswinging cross that Gonzalo GarcÃa met with conviction, rising high to thump a header past Michele di Gregorio. It was Alexander-Arnold’s first assist in a Real Madrid shirt—likely the first of many—and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Xabi Alonso stuck with his 5-3-2 formation against the Serie A heavyweights, but the opening stages were nervy. Juventus started brightly, with Kenan Yildiz testing Real early and Randal Kolo Muani missing a golden one-on-one opportunity. The Italian side looked like they might take control, but Madrid held firm, thanks in part to some commanding defending from Antonio Rüdiger and impressive saves from Thibaut Courtois.
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Real Madrid grew into the game as the minutes ticked by. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde each had promising chances, only to be denied by Juventus' standout performer—goalkeeper Michele di Gregorio, who was nothing short of sensational. He kept Juve in it with save after save, including a point-blank stop from Dean Huijsen early in the second half.
Despite Di Gregorio’s heroics, he could do nothing about GarcÃa’s bullet header. It was the 21-year-old’s third goal of the tournament, and he’s becoming a real star under Alonso. His movement, composure, and ability to deliver in big moments has many drawing comparisons with club legend Raúl.
As the match wore on, Juventus pressed, but Real’s game management was superb. Substitutions helped steady the midfield, with Dani Ceballos and the evergreen Luka Modrić coming on to help lock things down. Even Kylian Mbappé made a late appearance, finally fit again after illness, although he didn't have time to leave a real mark on the game.
Juventus looked increasingly desperate in the final minutes. A penalty shout for Kolo Muani was waved away, and their final efforts were snuffed out by a disciplined Madrid backline. The final whistle confirmed Real’s place in the quarter-finals, where they’ll face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey.
This wasn't a high-scoring thriller, but it was a game full of quality, individual brilliance, and a reminder that even in transition, Real Madrid remain a team that delivers when it matters most. Trent Alexander-Arnold's arrival might still be fresh, but with one precise cross, he’s already etched his name into Madrid’s Club World Cup journey.
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