Gonzalo Garcia scores as Real Madrid edges Juventus 1–0, advances to Club World Cup quarterfinals

Real Madrid booked their spot in the Club World Cup quarterfinals after defeating Juventus 1–0 at Hard Rock Stadium. Gonzalo Garcia netted the game’s only goal in the 54th minute, heading in a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Kylian Mbappe made his return from illness, coming on as a substitute in the 68th minute.

Juventus started the match on the front foot, with Randal Kolo Muani nearly scoring after a clever setup from Kenan Yildiz. But his attempted chip over goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois went just over the bar. Yildiz threatened again later in the half with a shot deflected by Aurelien Tchouameni.

Real Madrid gained control as the first half progressed. Jude Bellingham forced a close-range save from Michele Di Gregorio, and Federico Valverde tested the keeper from distance. Alexander-Arnold’s low cross capped a dominant finish to the half.

After the break, Madrid continued to press. Bellingham and Valverde had near misses before Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint delivery found Garcia, who buried a header—his third goal in four Club World Cup matches.

Juventus tried to answer with a low shot from Francisco Conceicao, saved well by Courtois. Valverde attempted an overhead kick, and Arda Guler forced another save from Di Gregorio. Nicolas Gonzalez nearly equalized with a long-range effort, but it wasn’t enough.

Real manager Xabi Alonso praised Garcia’s performance and expressed optimism about Mbappe’s recovery. “Day by day he’s improving,” Alonso said. “By the time we play the quarterfinals in a few days, he should be ready for more minutes. I talk with him every day, and he’s feeling better.”

Real Madrid will face their next opponent in the Club World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.