Real Madrid have advanced to the Club World Cup round of 16 in style, dismantling Red Bull Salzburg 3-0 in a commanding Group H finale. With this win, Los Blancos secured top spot and will now face Juventus next Tuesday in a highly anticipated knockout fixture.
Madrid’s performance was their most convincing yet under Xabi Alonso, who deployed a back-three formation for the first time since taking the helm. This tactical switch revived Madrid’s attacking flow and solidified their defense — two areas that had caused concern in their earlier games against Al-Hilal and Pachuca.
The breakthrough came late in the first half. After a cautious opening spell where Madrid dominated possession without clear-cut chances, Jude Bellingham sparked a counter-attack with a superb through-ball. Vinicius Jr. latched on, cut inside, and fired a precise finish to break the deadlock in the 39th minute.
Madrid doubled their lead just before half-time, this time capitalizing on a Salzburg error. Vinicius pounced and found Federico Valverde with a brilliant backheel assist for the second goal. Xabi Alonso’s tactical changes were already paying dividends.
The Brazilian winger’s resurgence was partly credited to the new shape, which allowed him more freedom to roam. Alonso previously dismissed the notion that Vinicius needed rescuing, saying, “He’s doing well… we want to encourage him to be decisive.”
After the break, Real Madrid eased off the gas and managed the tempo. This shift allowed Salzburg to enjoy their best spell, with Kjaergaard and Daghim both testing Courtois. The Austrian side, however, failed to convert their chances — a costly shortcoming.
Madrid, clinical as ever, punished them late. With just seven minutes left, Gonzalo Garcia capped the night with a delightful chip over the Salzburg keeper, sealing a comprehensive win for the Spanish giants.
Alonso’s system — with Fran Garcia and Trent Alexander-Arnold providing width and Valverde and Arda Güler anchoring midfield — looks like it could be a turning point for Real Madrid’s campaign.
Now, with momentum on their side and tactical clarity emerging, Madrid prepare to face Juventus in what promises to be a thrilling round of 16 clash.