Spanish champions Real Madrid have stormed into the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, defeating Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg 3-0 in their final Group H match.
The emphatic win at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday guarantees Los Blancos top spot in the group and a thrilling upcoming showdown with Juventus.
Both sides entered the match level on points and goal difference, with only a win likely to secure a favorable Round of 16 tie. Under rainy skies, Real Madrid—led by head coach Xabi Alonso—quickly imposed their dominance, maintaining possession and creating multiple scoring chances.
The deadlock was broken in the 40th minute when Vinicius Jr. launched a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box to put Madrid ahead. The goal, a result of swift counterattacking play, gave the Spanish side the momentum they needed.
Just minutes later, Vinicius Jr. was involved again—this time with a touch of flair. His audacious backheel set up Federico Valverde, who coolly slotted the ball past Salzburg keeper Nico Mantl to make it 2-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Salzburg pushed forward in search of a goal but were met with a resolute Madrid defense. The final blow came in the 84th minute when Gonzalo Garcia pounced on a defensive blunder from Joane Gadou, firing home to seal the 3-0 victory and top the group.
Elsewhere in Group H, Saudi champions Al Hilal secured their place in the knockout round with a 2-0 win over Mexico’s Pachuca. Goals from Salem Al-Dawsari and Leonardo ensured Al Hilal finished second in the group and booked a daunting clash against Manchester City on Monday.
The Club World Cup knockout stage kicks off Saturday, featuring a Brazilian derby between Palmeiras and Botafogo in Philadelphia. Portuguese side Benfica will face Chelsea in Charlotte in another high-profile fixture.
With Europe’s elite clashing and underdogs rising, the stage is set for a thrilling end to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Fans around the world can expect intense battles as teams vie for global supremacy.