Real Madrid C.F. 1-0 Juventus FC | Round of 16
Real Madrid C.F. goals: Gonzalo Garcia (54)
Real Madrid eased through to the quarter-finals after a third goal of the tournament for Gonzalo Garcia sent Juventus out at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
The Liga giants dominated for most of the game and only a series of superb saves from Juve keeper Michele Di Gregorio prevented a bigger winning margin.
Real Madrid made a fast start and were camped in the Juve half, but they were very nearly caught out by a rapid counter-attack from the Serie A side which ended when Randal Kolo Muani clipped an effort onto the roof of Thibaut Courtois’ net. And then Francisco Conceicao could arguably have done better than direct a free header straight at Real’s giant Belgian keeper.
However, Juve goalkeeper Di Gregorio kept his side level twice before the break after an unorthodox save with his outstretched foot to keep out a Jude Bellingham effort from close range on the half-hour mark.
But that was nothing compared with his superb save in first-half injury time where he flung himself across his goal to somehow tip out a brilliant effort from the outside of his right foot by Federico Valverde.
The 27-year-old soon made a couple of excellent saves in quick succession after the restart from Bellingham and then a volley from Dean Huijsen.
But a goal was coming and Di Gregorio was finally beaten when Garcia headed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross into the net for a deserved lead.
A spectacular overhead kick from Valverde caused Di Gregorio to make yet another smart stop with Real able to introduce Kylian Mbappe into the tournament for the first time after gastroenteritis caused him to miss the early stages.
And they saw the game out comfortably in truth, with the Turin side unable to stem the attacking tide towards their goal.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid C.F.)
Quotes
“I’m really delighted with the result, going through, and with the performance as well. I think after the first 15 minutes we started getting good control, we had to work, it was going to be tough, but we were professional and did really well.”
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid coach to DAZN
“I’m very happy for the goal, but even more for the win, for how the team worked, and for making it through to the quarterfinals. We knew it was going to be an intense match from the start. It’s true that we grew into the game, but with rhythm, with the ball, and tiring the opponent to try and score.”
Gonzalo Garcia, Real Madrid forward to DAZN
“It was a huge effort against a very strong opponent. I think we had quite a few chances, and that’s a credit to us for the work we put into both defense and attack. We have to keep improving—there are many things to refine—but it’s another step forward.”
Federico Valverde, Real Madrid midfielder to DAZN
“It’s a pity because we played a solid match against a very strong team. It’s really a shame. We paid the price for the fatigue of a long and exhausting season, but we do have some regrets about this match. It was wonderful to play in this first edition of the Club World Cup — a fantastic experience.”
Andrea Cambiaso, Juventus player to DAZN Italy
“We had two chances at the start and could have done better. We showed great team spirit, especially from the forwards who worked really hard. But this is the kind of spirit we always need to have on the pitch. At the Club World Cup, we did fairly well except against City, but even against Real we gave it our all and were almost on par with them. Individually, Real Madrid are stronger than Juventus, but with teamwork you can achieve more and make up for the gap that way.”
Manuel Locatelli, Juventus midfielder to DAZN Italy
