Under steady rain and high stakes, Real Madrid sealed a 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg to top Group H and book a high-profile Round of 16 encounter against Juventus at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Vinicius Jr. dazzled both as a scorer and creator. After several early threats, he broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with a clinical finish after receiving a slick through-ball from Jude Bellingham. Just minutes later, Vinicius’s dazzling backheel set up Federico Valverde, who doubled the lead with precision.
Though Real dominated the second half, missed chances kept Salzburg in the game until the 84th minute, when Gonzalo Garcia put the match beyond doubt with a graceful lob over the goalkeeper.
With this victory, Xabi Alonso’s men finish Group H with seven points, two ahead of Al-Hilal, and now gear up to face Group G runners-up Juventus in Miami. The clash evokes memories of the 2017 UEFA Champions League final — a storyline rich with legacy and rivalry.