Real Madrid secured their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 with a dominant 3-0 win over Salzburg on Thursday.
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Vinicius Jr. starred, scoring once and assisting another, while Gonzalo Garcia netted late to seal the victory.
Jude Bellingham’s brilliant through ball set up Vinicius for the opener just before halftime.
Moments later, Vinicius dazzled again, using a slick back-heel to assist Federico Valverde for a second goal in stoppage time.
Madrid, coached by Xabi Alonso, topped Group H with seven points and will now face Juventus in the knockout stage.
Salzburg, meanwhile, were eliminated, with Al Hilal progressing after a 2-0 win over Pachuca.
Playing without Kylian Mbappe, who remains sidelined due to illness, Madrid still thrilled 64,000 fans in Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Alonso deployed a back three with Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia as wing-backs, echoing his Bayer Leverkusen tactics, reports NDTV.
Salzburg had chances but failed to capitalize. Garcia added Madrid’s third after intercepting a defensive error and calmly finishing past the keeper.
Madrid’s performance showcased depth and flair, sending a clear warning to future opponents as they continue their U.S. campaign.
This match highlighted Alonso’s tactical flexibility, echoing his successful 3-4-3 system from Bayer Leverkusen.
His willingness to adapt formations and empower wing-backs suggests a bold, modern direction for Madrid, even in Mbappe’s absence.
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