Real Madrid Brush Past Salzburg to Advance
Real Madrid made it look easy in their FIFA Club World Cup Group H clash, sweeping aside RB Salzburg 3-0 and booking a spot in the last sixteen. The June 26, 2025 fixture was played with Madrid’s trademark flair, and Salzburg simply couldn’t match their pace or precision. Madrid’s seven points place them comfortably at the group’s summit, ahead of Al-Hilal, who clinched second after overcoming Pachuca 2-0. RB Salzburg, with four points, and Pachuca, who failed to register a single one, crashed out.
Vinícius Júnior was the spark Madrid needed. The Brazilian winger broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, unleashing a thunderous shot from just outside the box that left Salzburg’s goalkeeper rooted. His confidence was obvious from the start, and just minutes later, he provided a smooth back-heeled assist near the byline, setting up Federico Valverde to tap in Madrid’s second. Salzburg never really recovered after those quick blows before halftime.
Deadly Attack and Defensive Control
The second half started much the same way—with Madrid on the front foot. Salzburg tried to chase the game, but their eagerness left them exposed at the back. Madrid’s third goal came following a breakneck counterattack. Gonzalo García latched onto a through ball, took a quick glance, and coolly lobbed the onrushing Salzburg keeper. The goal was all about composure and confidence, a snapshot of a player enjoying his football. Madrid’s clinical finishing on the break showed why they’re so feared in this competition.
Throughout the match, Real Madrid’s defense snuffed out Salzburg’s pressing attack. The Austrian side had their moments, especially early in each half, but Thibaut Courtois showed why he’s one of the best, making a couple of sharp saves to preserve the clean sheet. The midfield, marshaled by Valverde and the ever-reliable Toni Kroos, dictated the tempo and rarely let Salzburg find any rhythm.
- Real Madrid finished Group H top with 7 points
- Vinícius Júnior scored and provided an assist
- Valverde and Gonzalo García also found the net
- Salzburg and Pachuca exit the Club World Cup
With this dominant win wrapped up, Madrid now head to Miami for a headline clash against Juventus in the round of 16 on June 30 at the Hard Rock Stadium. Al-Hilal, riding high after their win, will take on Manchester City a day earlier in Orlando. The Club World Cup is heating up, and, with Vinícius Júnior running the show, Real Madrid already look like one of the teams to beat.
