Vinicius dazzles as Real Madrid ease past Salzburg into Club World Cup round of 16

Vinicius Jr produced a standout performance with a goal and an assist as Real Madrid secured a comfortable 3-0 win over RB Salzburg on Thursday, sealing top spot in Group H and progressing to the Club World Cup round of 16.

Under new head coach Xabi Alonso, the Spanish giants are beginning to look like title contenders once again. This victory marked back-to-back wins for Alonso’s Madrid for the first time, a clear sign that his tactical blueprint is starting to bear fruit on the global stage.

From the outset, Madrid were in full control. Salzburg showed early energy, but Real’s class and composure quickly became the defining traits of the match. Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior were instrumental in breaking down Salzburg’s resistance, combining effectively throughout the first half.

Bellingham, who has been a constant creative force this season, nearly created the opener when he sent a clever through ball into the path of Vinicius. However, Salzburg’s 18-year-old goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky produced a sharp save with his leg to deny the Brazilian.

The breakthrough came just minutes before the break, and once again it was the Bellingham–Vinicius connection that proved decisive. Bellingham’s pinpoint through pass split the defense, allowing Vinicius to cut inside and fire a precise left-footed finish into the bottom corner.

Real weren’t done yet. In first-half stoppage time, Vinicius turned provider. The Brazilian showed his flair with a clever backheel to set up Federico Valverde, who calmly slotted in his second goal of the tournament. The 2-0 halftime scoreline reflected Madrid’s dominance, as Salzburg managed just a single shot on target through Petar Ratkov—easily handled by Thibaut Courtois.

In the second half, Salzburg showed some fight. Substitutes Adam Daghim and Maurits Kjaergaard brought renewed energy to their attack. Daghim forced Courtois into a solid save at the near post, while Kjaergaard squandered a promising opportunity by blasting over the bar.

Jude Bellingham was again influential on the defensive end, clearing Samson Baidoo’s powerful effort off the line as Salzburg pressed to halve the deficit. Despite those glimpses of danger, Real Madrid’s defense, marshaled by Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal, held firm.

Any hopes of a Salzburg comeback were dashed late in the game when Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia added a third. The young forward showed his quality and composure with a delicate chip over the onrushing Zawieschitzky to seal the win in style.

Real Madrid #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/jp5XxUJPc3

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 27, 2025

The goal capped a near-perfect evening for Los Blancos, who now head into the Round of 16 full of confidence. For Salzburg, the loss brought an end to their four-match unbeaten streak and confirmed their exit from the competition.

Vinicius Junior’s performance was a reminder of his growing importance to Madrid’s attack. The Brazilian was involved in all three goals—scoring one and assisting the other two—earning praise from both fans and pundits alike.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham continues to justify his marquee status. The England international orchestrated Madrid’s midfield with maturity beyond his years, dictating tempo, threading passes, and even contributing with a crucial defensive clearance.

Though the match was played in searing heat in Cincinnati, Real Madrid showed no signs of fatigue. Their energy, movement, and tactical fluidity under Alonso’s direction highlight a side that’s rediscovering its best form at the right time.

With this result, Real Madrid not only finish as group winners but also send a message to the rest of the tournament. The 14-time European champions may have stumbled at times earlier this year, but their latest performances suggest they are back on track and gunning for global glory.

A mouthwatering clash awaits at Hard Rock Stadium. ️#FIFACWC

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 27, 2025

As for Salzburg, the young and spirited side showed flashes of quality but couldn’t cope with Madrid’s experience and clinical edge. Their inability to convert chances and lack of composure in front of goal ultimately cost them a place in the knockout rounds.

With knockout action looming, Real Madrid now await their Round of 16 opponents, but one thing is clear—under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, they are growing stronger with every match.

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