Real Madrid secured a commanding 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field, booking their place in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior delivered a standout performance, scoring once and assisting another, as the Spanish giants topped Group H with seven points.
Under steady rain, Xabi Alonso’s side dominated proceedings from the outset. The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Jude Bellingham split Salzburg’s defense with a precise through ball. Vinícius latched onto it, weaved past two defenders, and fired a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving 18-year-old goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky with no chance.
Just before halftime, Vinícius turned provider. Capitalizing on a deflected pass inside the box, he delivered a deft backheel to Federico Valverde, who slotted home from close range to double Madrid’s lead.
Despite several missed opportunities in the second half, Madrid maintained control. The win was sealed in the 84th minute when Gonzalo García intercepted a loose ball in midfield and chipped the Salzburg keeper to make it 3-0.
The result eliminated Salzburg and Pachuca from the tournament, while Al-Hilal advanced as Group H runners-up after defeating Pachuca 2-0. Real Madrid will now face Juventus in the round of 16 in Miami on Tuesday.
Vinícius, named Player of the Match, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance: “I’m very happy with the goal and the assist. But now comes the most important part, the knockouts, and we’re looking forward to it,” he told DAZN.
Madrid’s victory came despite the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who missed the group stage due to illness. The French forward returned to training this week and is expected to be available for the knockout rounds.
With momentum on their side and tactical cohesion under Alonso’s leadership, Real Madrid now look ahead to a high-stakes clash with Juventus as they continue their pursuit of Club World Cup glory.
