Alexander-Arnold Provides First Assist as Real Madrid Edge Juventus to Reach Club World Cup Quarter-Finals
Trent Alexander-Arnold's inswinging cross was headed into the roof of the net by Gonzalo Garcia
Alexander-Arnold Provides First Assist as Real Madrid Edge Juventus to Reach Club World Cup Quarter-Finals
Trent Alexander-Arnold continued his strong run of form at the Club World Cup 2025, registering his first assist for Real Madrid during their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The English full-back, making his fourth consecutive start in the tournament, delivered a pinpoint cross early in the second half that allowed Gonzalo Garcia to head home the winning goal in the 54th minute.
Under the guidance of head coach Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid stuck with a 5-3-2 formation, but showed defensive frailties in the opening 45 minutes. Juventus, led by Kenan Yildiz and Randal Kolo Muani, created multiple scoring chances. Muani missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring, lofting his shot over the bar after being played through by Yildiz, whose earlier long-range effort had been deflected wide.
Madrid struggled to find rhythm in the first half but came close through Jude Bellingham, whose effort from a tight angle was saved by Michele Di Gregorio. The Juventus goalkeeper was in top form, also denying Federico Valverde with a brilliant one-handed stop before halftime.
The second half saw increased intensity from Madrid. Although Di Gregorio made back-to-back saves against Bellingham and Dean Huijsen, he could do nothing to stop Garcia’s powerful header from Alexander-Arnold’s sublime delivery.
Garcia was later substituted in the 68th minute for Kylian Mbappé, who made his first appearance at the tournament after recovering from a brief illness. The French superstar was welcomed back with loud applause and provided a spark in Madrid’s attack during the closing stages.
With this narrow win, Real Madrid advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Borussia Dortmund vs Monterrey clash this weekend.
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