SportsPosted at: Jul 2 2025 2:34PM


Garcia strike sends Real Madrid into Club World Cup QFs

Miami, July 2 (UNI) Gonzalo Garcia’s third goal of the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025 propelled Real Madrid CF into the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Juventus FC at Hard Rock Stadium today IST.
The Spanish side largely dominated the match but were repeatedly frustrated by Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, who produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his team in the contest.
Real Madrid were quick to assert their dominance and pinned Juventus deep into their half early on. Despite the pressure, the Italian side came close to taking the lead through Randal Kolo Muani, whose clipped shot landed on top of the net, and Francisco Conceicao, who headed straight at Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from close range. Still, it was the La Liga giants who dictated possession and flow as the match wore on.
Di Gregorio’s heroics were the reason Juventus remained level for much of the game. He made a stunning foot save to deny Jude Bellingham from point-blank range and later flew across his goal to push away a curling effort from Federico Valverde just before halftime. After the break, the 27-year-old keeper continued to shine with quick reactions to stop Bellingham again and parry a powerful volley from Dean Huijsen.
However, the Juventus resistance was finally broken in the 54th minute when Gonzalo Garcia met a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross with a sharp header into the net. It was Garcia’s third goal of the tournament and proved decisive. Federico Valverde nearly doubled the lead with a spectacular overhead kick that forced another strong save from Di Gregorio.
Real Madrid introduced Kylian Mbappe into the game for his first appearance of the tournament after recovering from a bout of gastroenteritis. With their depth and control, the Spanish side comfortably saw out the remainder of the match as Juventus struggled to mount any sustained threat in the final stages.
Real coach Xabi Alonso praised his team's performance, noting how they grew into the match after a tense opening phase and professionally controlled the game.
Goal scorer Gonzalo Garcia said he was proud not only of his contribution but of the collective effort that ensured their place in the quarterfinals.
Federico Valverde, named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match, said the team still had areas to improve but was satisfied with the step forward. Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli and defender Andrea Cambiaso expressed pride in their effort, acknowledging Real Madrid’s superior individual quality but highlighting their team’s fighting spirit.
Real Madrid’s win continues a strong run against Italian opposition, having now won 19 of their last 21 competitive matches against Serie A clubs. Garcia remains the only player in the tournament to directly contribute to a goal in all his team's matches, with three goals and one assist to his name. The club has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive games.
Real Madrid move into the quarterfinals of the inaugural expanded Club World Cup, while Juventus exit with their heads held high after a spirited campaign.
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