Club World Cup Daily: Real Madrid Secure First Place in Group H with 3–0 Win Over Salzburg

Real Madrid secured first place in Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating RB Salzburg 3–0 on Thursday in Philadelphia, showcasing dominance and tactical flexibility under manager Xabi Alonso.

• Vinícius Júnior starred with a goal and an assist, opening the scoring in the 40th minute and setting up Federico Valverde shortly before halftime with a smart back-heel pass.
• Gonzalo García added a third goal in the 84th minute to seal the victory and ensure Real Madrid finished top of the group with seven points, two clear of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.

Alonso’s decision to field a three-center-back formation with wing-backs mirrored a style reminiscent of Vicente del Bosque’s 2000 Champions League campaign. The setup provided defensive solidity and attacking width, earning praise from the coach for the players’ maturity and patience.

Next Match:

Real Madrid will face Group G runners-up Juventus in a round-of-16 showdown at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami — marking a rematch of the iconic 2017 Champions League final.