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Real Madrid Edge Juventus as Garcia Shines and Alexander-Arnold Debuts with an Assist
It’s official—Real Madrid have secured their spot in the Club World Cup quarter-finals with a narrow but meaningful 1-0 win over Juventus at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. And while the scoreline might suggest a subdued affair, there were plenty of talking points from this clash, particularly the performances of some fresh faces in white.
One of the big headlines? Trent Alexander-Arnold, the former Liverpool right-back, finally got off the mark for Los Blancos with his first assist for the club. He whipped in a superb ball early in the second half that Gonzalo Garcia met with conviction, nodding home the game’s only goal. For Alexander-Arnold, it wasn’t just about the numbers—it was a performance filled with promise, one that showed he’s beginning to settle into his new surroundings.
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But the night really belonged to Garcia. Just 21 years old, this young striker continues to make his case in the absence of a fully fit Kylian Mbappé. That header marked his third goal in four games, and it wasn’t just the goal—it was the energy, the movement, the confidence. Garcia looked hungry to prove he belongs at this level, and he’s giving Xabi Alonso plenty to think about as Madrid move forward in the competition.
It wasn't all smooth sailing, though. The first half belonged to Juventus, at least in terms of intent. Randal Kolo Muani nearly chipped one in, Kenan Yildiz flashed one just wide, and Madrid's attacking rhythm looked disjointed. Jude Bellingham had a decent effort cleared off the line, and Federico Valverde tested the keeper from distance, but nothing really clicked for Los Blancos early on.
Once the second half kicked off, things shifted. Madrid came out stronger—more decisive. Garcia’s goal lifted the team, and even though they couldn't find a second to kill the game off, they controlled possession and saw the match out professionally. There was a brief cameo from Mbappé, making his return after a stint out with illness, but he looked rusty and struggled to integrate into Madrid's attacking flow.
In the end, Real Madrid didn’t dazzle—but they didn’t need to. They were solid, they took their moment, and now they move on. The Xabi Alonso era is still finding its feet, but nights like this offer a glimpse into what could be. With young stars like Garcia stepping up and seasoned pros like Alexander-Arnold finding their rhythm, Madrid fans have reason to be cautiously optimistic. The bigger tests are coming—but for now, mission accomplished.
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