Real Madrid Edge Juventus 1-0 to Advance in FIFA Club World Cup

Real Madrid booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday night. The Spanish giants were made to work for their win by a resolute Juventus side, with the match ultimately decided by a second-half header from Gonzalo.

The decisive moment arrived in the 54th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Madrid’s dynamic right-back, whipped in a pinpoint cross that found Gonzalo, who rose above the Juventus defense to power home his third goal in four World Cup games. The goal proved enough to separate the two European heavyweights in a match brimming with intensity and quality.

Real Madrid dominated possession and created the bulk of the chances, but Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio delivered a standout performance, producing a string of superb saves to keep his side in contention. Di Gregorio denied Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham in the first half and continued to frustrate Madrid’s attackers after the break, notably stopping efforts from Arda Güler and Valverde.

Juventus, meanwhile, threatened on the counterattack in the opening stages, with Kolo Muani spurning a golden opportunity early on. However, the Italian side struggled to break down Madrid’s disciplined defense, marshaled by Thibaut Courtois and his back line.

The match also saw the tournament debut of Kylian Mbappé, who replaced Gonzalo in the 68th minute. The French superstar showed flashes of brilliance but was unable to add to Madrid’s tally.

With the victory, Real Madrid advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey tie. The result marks another positive step for new manager Xabi Alonso, who has now overseen four matches at the helm without defeat.

Juventus exit the tournament with their heads held high, having pushed one of Europe’s elite teams to the limit. For Real Madrid, the quest for another global title continues.

Final Score:

Real Madrid 1 – 0 Juventus
(Goal: Gonzalo 54’)

Up Next:

Real Madrid will face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

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