García's goal seals Madrid’s Club World Cup progress
Real Madrid advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a 1–0 win over Juventus in the round of 16 at Hard Rock Stadium. Gonzalo García scored with a header from a cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 54th minute. It was his third goal in the tournament. The win sets up a match against either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in the next round.
Juventus got off to a good start. Kenan Yildiz helped create early chances. Randal Kolo Muani nearly scored with a soft shot over Thibaut Courtois. Yildiz later took a long shot that bounced off Aurélien Tchouaméni. However, Madrid slowly gained control of the game.
Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde both tested Juve’s goalkeeper, Michele Di Gregorio. Juventus tried to fight back with shots from Francisco Conceição and Nicolás González, but Thibaut Courtois stayed strong. Valverde nearly scored again, and Arda Güler forced another save.
Kylian Mbappé made his first appearance for Real Madrid since recovering from gastrointestinal illness, coming on in the 68th minute to a loud ovation from the crowd of 62,149. Real Madrid remained composed and kept their 1–0 lead, advancing to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals.
