Real Madrid Makes Statement with Dominant Win Over Salzburg
If there was any doubt about Real Madrid's status in this year's FIFA Club World Cup, they silenced it in Philadelphia with a crisp 3-0 win against RB Salzburg on June 26, 2025. On a humid evening, the Spanish champions operated like a well-oiled machine, shutting out Salzburg and stamping their name on the top of Group H. It sets up a mouthwatering round-of-16 clash with Juventus in Miami, a fixture that already has fans buzzing.
Vinícius Júnior was everywhere, showing why he’s becoming one of the most feared attackers in world football. He broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, timing a run to perfection, and blasting home after shaking free from Salzburg’s high line. Just minutes later, he spun past his marker again and slid a perfect ball to Federico Valverde, who tapped it home. Suddenly, a tense game tilted sharply in Madrid's favor.
By the time Gonzalo García lobbed a third past Salzburg’s scrambling keeper after a ruthless counter, Salzburg’s players knew the contest – and their Club World Cup dreams – were done. That final goal summed up Madrid’s night: clinical, decisive, and just a bit merciless.
Salzburg and Pachuca Wave Goodbye While Madrid and Al-Hilal March On
For Salzburg, this match felt like running headfirst into a brick wall. Not that they didn’t try – their aggressive style helped them notch up 13 shots against Al-Hilal last week. But here, their backline crumbled under Madrid’s relentless pace and quality.
It wasn’t just the forwards who shined. Federico Valverde, reviving his best with Xabi Alonso as manager, looked reborn in midfield. Alonso’s faith in the Uruguayan is paying off. Valverde has been letting loose with an average of three shots each game since Alonso took charge, adding another dimension to Madrid’s trademark direct play.
All this was accomplished without Kylian Mbappé, who missed out due to illness. If anything, Madrid showed they’re not a one-man band. With rotating talent and depth off the bench, the squad handled early pressure and then imposed their attacking rhythm just when it counted most.
The result leaves little doubt going into the knockout stages. Real Madrid, undefeated at seven points, faces Juventus next – a matchup rich in history and drama. Al-Hilal, grabbing second place, has the daunting task of taking on Manchester City in Orlando. Meanwhile, both Salzburg and Pachuca head home, left to rue what might have been after falling short when it mattered most.
