Real Madrid sealed their spot in the knockouts of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup following a 3-0 victory over Norwegian club Salzburg, MySportDab reports.
Los Blancos, deemed favourites to win the competition, began their campaign on a disappointing note, settling for a draw against Saudi side Al-Hilal in the opening match.
However, they have since bounced back to winning ways ways defeating Pachuca and now Salzburg to not only qualify for the next round but finished top of Group H for a soft landing in the knockout pairings.
They had gone into the game against Salzburg as clear favorites given their depth and quality compared to the opponents and proceedings didn’t veer out of trajectory at the Lincoln Financial Field as expected.
They dominated the opponents, wielding 56% of ball possession, fired 12 shots with four on target. However, Salzburg weren’t an easy nut to crack.
The Norwegian were formidable at the back, holding off and smashing Los Blancos’ countless offensives before being finally being undone in the 40th minute.
Vinicius Jr opened the scoring for the team before Federico Valverde doubled the lead in the final minutes of the first half.
Down by two unreplied goals, Salzburg stepped up their game in the second half pushing to halve the deficit but were dealt further blow late into proceedings.
Real Madrid Castilla graduate and fast-rising young midfielder Gonzalo Garcia, 21, scored six minutes from regulation to extend the lead and seal a deserved 3-0 victory for the La Liga giants.
It was Xabi Alonso’s second win as Real Madrid manager and one enough to topped off an impressive group stage performance in the competition after the stalemate in the opener.
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