RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid : Los Blancos Shine in Group H Finale
In a commanding display, Real Madrid triumphed 3-0 over RB Salzburg to top Group H and book a place in the FIFA Club World Cup last 16. The match, held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, highlighted Real Madrid’s tactical evolution under Xabi Alonso.
RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid Tactical Twist in the Match
For the first time since replacing Carlo Ancelotti, manager Xabi Alonso opted for a five-man defence. Wing-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia surged forward with support from Aurelien Tchouameni, who slotted between central defenders Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen.
This approach marked a shift from the 4-3-3 system preferred by former managers like Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, instead resembling the style of Vicente del Bosque’s 2000 Champions League-winning squad.
RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid : Goals and Highlights
Real Madrid’s breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Vinícius Júnior calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner after beating two defenders. Just before the break, Vinícius returned the favor with a clever backheel assist to Federico Valverde, who made it 2-0.
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Substitute Gonzalo García sealed the game with a stylish chip in the 84th minute, securing a clean-sheet victory.
Post-Match Reaction and Next Steps
Speaking after the match, Vinícius Júnior said,
“We’re taking it step-by-step. We’re still learning the coach’s system, but today’s performance—especially in the first half—was very encouraging.
Real Madrid will now face Juventus, runners-up from Group G, in the last 16 clash scheduled for 1 July at 02:00 BST in Florida.
Meanwhile, RB Salzburg’s journey ends after finishing third in their group—just one point behind Al-Hilal.
