Real Madrid have secured a spot in the Club World Cup quarter-finals with a narrow but hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus, courtesy of a second-half header from Gonzalo Garcia, assisted by new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Under Xabi Alonso, Madrid endured a sluggish first half as Juventus dominated the early exchanges. Randal Kolo Muani and Kenan Yildiz both threatened to open the scoring, while Jude Bellingham came closest for Madrid with an effort cleared off the line.
Federico Valverde also tested Juve’s Michele Di Gregorio with a long-range drive.
The breakthrough came after the restart when Alexander-Arnold, making his tournament debut after a summer move from Liverpool, delivered a precise cross for Garcia to nod home, marking his first assist for the club.
Madrid took control from that point on. Arda Guler nearly doubled the lead with a well-struck volley, but Di Gregorio was again up to the task.
Kylian Mbappé, recently back from injury, made a cameo late in the match but had little impact as Madrid became more conservative with their lead.
Though not at their attacking best, Madrid’s improved second-half performance and control of possession proved enough to get past Juventus and advance in the competition.
