Real Madrid delivered a commanding performance to defeat RB Salzburg 3-0 in their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group H clash at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 26, 2025. The victory secured Madrid's place at the top of the group and a round of 16 showdown with Juventus, while Salzburg's hopes of progressing were dashed.
The match started with Real Madrid asserting dominance, controlling possession and creating chances early on. By the 24th minute, Madrid held nearly 70 percent of possession and had registered four shots on target, while Salzburg struggled to mount any meaningful attack. The Spanish giants' pressure finally paid off in the 40th minute when Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian forward, scored the opening goal. Receiving a precise through ball from Jude Bellingham, Vinícius raced into the final third before unleashing a left-footed strike from outside the box that found the bottom right corner of the net, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead.
Just before halftime, Madrid doubled their advantage in the second minute of added time. Vinícius Júnior combined beautifully with Federico Valverde in the box; although Vinícius' initial shot was blocked, Valverde was quick to react and delivered a composed right-footed finish to the bottom left corner. This goal showcased the fluidity of Madrid's attack and left Salzburg with a daunting deficit at the break.
The second half saw Salzburg attempt to respond, with key players such as Maurits Kjærgaard and Adam Daghim trying to break through Madrid's defensive lines. However, Real Madrid's defense, marshaled by the likes of Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold, remained resolute. Jude Bellingham was influential in midfield, orchestrating plays and contributing defensively, but he was substituted in the 82nd minute for Brahim Díaz as he appeared to struggle with fitness.
Real Madrid continued to press and control the tempo, and in the 84th minute, Gonzalo García put the finishing touch on the match. Alexander-Arnold threaded a precise through ball from the right wing, which García intercepted in the final third. Demonstrating composure, he entered the box and lobbed the ball over Salzburg's goalkeeper, Christian Zawieschitzky, to make it 3-0. This goal not only sealed the victory but also highlighted the depth and talent within Madrid's squad.
Throughout the match, both teams made several substitutions to adjust tactics and manage player fitness. Salzburg brought on Karim Onisiwo, Samson Baidoo, Yorbe Vertessen, Adam Daghim, and Maurits Kjærgaard at various points, while Madrid introduced Dani Ceballos, Luka Modric, Rodrygo, Jacobo Ramón, and Brahim Díaz to maintain their intensity and control.
Vinícius Júnior's performance was particularly noteworthy. Beyond scoring the opener, he assisted Valverde's goal and earned the Superior Player of the Match award. After the game, Vinícius reflected on his contributions, stating, "It's a pleasure to play in this competition. It's the first edition of this format and Madrid always want to win. The award is the reward for all the team's hard work. Today I was able to help them." He also compared his assist to a famous moment by club legend Guti, saying, "I haven't seen the video but it reminded me of Guti, a legend of this club. It's one of the most beautiful of my career and above all because it's for Fede, who always encourages me and supports me a lot." This connection between players underscores the strong team spirit cultivated under coach Xabi Alonso.
Speaking about the team's adaptation to his tactics, Vinícius added, "It's been two very good weeks, in which we are gaining confidence and trying to understand as quickly as possible what he wants. I have to play a bit inside, I've always liked it because I'm closer to the goal and I can score more goals and give more assists. I played in this position with Ancelotti when we won the last Champions League and now it's a bit more difficult for me. The team is more compact." His remarks reflect the evolving nature of Madrid's playstyle under Alonso, who is encouraging flexibility and tactical awareness.
Coach Xabi Alonso praised his squad's collective effort, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in both scoring and assisting. When asked whether he preferred Vinícius's goal or assist, Alonso responded, "I loved both. It's teamwork, sometimes you need to score, sometimes you need to give. And fortunately it was a good collective performance." He also addressed the tactical shifts during the match, noting the challenge of adapting to a back-three system and the versatility of his players. "That's the challenge, to pick up things quite quickly. We want to be quite flexible, to understand different systems. With the players we have we can play in different ways," he said.
Looking ahead to the knockout stages, Alonso was clear about the stakes. "Once you go through the group stage, the last 16 every game is a final. Juve is one of the historic teams in Europe. (Their 5-2 loss today) doesn't matter, they're gonna be tough." Real Madrid's upcoming match against Juventus on July 1, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami promises to be a thrilling encounter between two European giants with a rich history. The teams have met 21 times previously, with Madrid holding a slight edge in wins.
Statistically, Real Madrid's group stage performance was impressive. With seven goals scored in the group, they ranked among the top-scoring teams, behind only Manchester City (13), Bayern Munich (12), and Juventus (11), and level with Benfica (9). Vinícius Júnior's opening goal brought him level with Gareth Bale's record of 106 goals for Real Madrid across all competitions, a testament to his growing influence at the club.
Meanwhile, Salzburg's elimination was confirmed after Al Hilal defeated Pachuca 2-0 in the other Group H match, sealing their place in the last 16 and ending Salzburg's tournament run. Salzburg showed moments of promise, with players like Edmund Baidoo and Maurits Kjærgaard creating chances, but ultimately they were unable to breach Madrid's defense or mount a comeback.
Real Madrid's victory marked their 15th win in Club World Cup history, with 12 of those wins by a margin of at least two goals, showcasing their dominance in this competition. The Club World Cup last-16 lineup is now set, with exciting fixtures including Palmeiras vs Botafogo, Benfica vs Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Miami, Flamengo vs Bayern Munich, Inter vs Fluminense, Manchester City vs Al Hilal, Real Madrid vs Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund vs Monterrey scheduled over the coming days.
As the tournament progresses, Real Madrid's blend of youth and experience, tactical flexibility, and attacking prowess under Xabi Alonso positions them as strong contenders. Their comprehensive 3-0 win over Salzburg not only secured their place in the knockout rounds but also sent a clear message about their ambitions in this inaugural Club World Cup format.
