Gonzalo Garcia’s clinical 54th-minute header earned Real Madrid a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The win sets up a last-eight showdown between Madrid and Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, who edged past Mexico’s Monterrey 2-1 earlier in the day.
It was a well-executed performance by Xabi Alonso’s side, who grew into the game after a lively start from Juventus. The match also saw the much-anticipated return of Kylian Mbappé, who came on as a 68th-minute substitute after recovering from illness, making his first appearance of the tournament.
Juventus, under Igor Tudor, started brightly. French striker Randal Kolo Muani had a golden early chance after a clever setup from Kenan Yildiz, but his attempted chip drifted over the bar. Yildiz then tested Real’s defense with a powerful effort that deflected wide off Aurélien Tchouaméni.
As the first half progressed, Real took control. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde forced good saves from Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, while Trent Alexander-Arnold posed a constant threat down the right.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when Alexander-Arnold floated a pinpoint cross that Gonzalo met with a powerful header, his third goal in four matches, to give Madrid the lead.
Despite late pressure from Juventus, including a long-range effort from Nicolás González and a stinging shot from Francisco Conceição that forced Thibaut Courtois into a low save, Madrid held firm. At the other end, substitute Arda Güler had a late effort blocked as Madrid sought to double their advantage.
Speaking after the match, Alonso praised his side’s composure. “We had to be patient and mature into the game. It was a knockout match, so you expect tough moments. The players did what they had to do, and I’m happy with that,” he said.
He also confirmed Mbappé is progressing well. “Day by day, he’s getting stronger. I think he’ll be ready for a bigger role in the quarter-finals.”
Juventus coach Tudor attributed his team’s fatigue to multiple factors. “There was incredible tiredness, 10 players wanted to be subbed out. The tension, the heat, and the long season took a toll,” he explained.
With the win, Real Madrid move one step closer to Club World Cup glory, while Juventus exit the tournament after another valiant but fruitless display.
Written By Rodney Mbua
