Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

Real Madrid Book Club World Cup Quarter-Finals Spot With Narrow 1–0 Win Against Juventus

Gonzalo Garcia Scores Again As Kylian Mbappe Returns for Win in Miami.

Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

Real Madrid secured their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals with a gritty 1-0 win against Juventus at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Tuesday night. A second-half header from rising star Gonzalo Garcia proved decisive.

Xabi Alonso’s side edged past the Italian giants in a tightly contested affair. Juventus looked to be the better side in the opening minutes and taking advantage, they should have taken the lead early. Randal Kolo Muani raced past Antonio Rudiger in the 6th minute.

💪 A @gonzalo7garcia_ goal sends us into the Club World Cup quarter-finals!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 1, 2025

However, he lifted his chip over the bar in a moment he will want to forget. Madrid responded through Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde. Both players continuously tested Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio with long-range efforts.

The best chance of the first half came in the 29th minute. Jude Bellingham was denied at close range following slick interplay with Valverde and Arda Guler. Valverde unleashed a trademark drive just before halftime. However, Di Gregorio made a stunning one-handed save to keep the scores level.

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Mbappe Returns, Modric Gets Warm Send-Off

Madrid’s breakthrough came in the 54th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold made only his second appearance since signing from Liverpool. He delivered a pinpoint cross that Garcia powerfully headed home. It was the 21-year-old striker’s third goal of the tournament.

He made a case for himself on why he’s becoming a vital weapon for Los Blancos. It also marked Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first assist for his new club. Madrid continued to dominate the second half with key players continuously pushing for more goals.

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Valverde, Tchouameni, and Dean Huijsen all forced saves from the overworked Di Gregorio. In the 68th minute, Kylian Mbappe made his long-awaited return after recovering from gastroenteritis, replacing the goalscorer Garcia. Luka Modric is set to depart the club after the tournament.

The Croatian midfielder was brought on late to a warm reception. With the win, Madrid booked their spot in the quarter-finals, which is set to be held on Saturday in New Jersey. They will face the winner in the last eight from the match between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey.

Club World Cup

Gonzalo Garcia

Juventus

Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid

Real Madrid vs Juventus

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.