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Wafric News – June 27, 2025

Spanish giants Real Madrid booked their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, setting up a high-stakes clash against Italy’s Juventus. Meanwhile, Manchester City will square off against Al Hilal after an emphatic win of their own.

Playing under the lights in Philadelphia on Thursday night, Madrid looked sharp and clinical, with first-half goals from Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde putting them in control. A late strike by Gonzalo Garcia in the 84th minute sealed the win and ensured Los Blancos advanced from Group H.

Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward #07 Vinicius Junior, right, scores his team’s first goal
Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia scores their third goal
The result knocked Salzburg out of the tournament, as Al Hilal’s 2-0 triumph over Pachuca propelled the Saudi outfit into the next round. Earlier in the day, Manchester City dispatched Juventus 5-2, finishing top of the group and setting up a Monday showdown with Al Hilal in Orlando.

Real Madrid, who have won this competition five times, demonstrated their efficiency rather than sheer dominance. Both teams registered 12 shots, but Madrid converted their chances with greater precision — landing four on target to Salzburg’s three.

Still absent was Kylian Mbappé, sidelined by a stomach illness that required brief hospitalization. But the Spanish champions didn’t miss a beat, thanks largely to Vinicius.

The Brazilian forward opened the scoring in the 40th minute after a sublime through ball from Jude Bellingham, weaving past defender Joane Gadou before slotting a low shot into the bottom corner. Just five minutes later, he dazzled again — this time with a clever backheel assist to Valverde, who made it 2-0 with a tidy finish.

Bellingham continued to shine in midfield, coming to Madrid’s rescue in the 66th minute with a crucial goal-line block after Thibaut Courtois was beaten.

Madrid’s next test comes in Miami on Tuesday against Juventus, while Manchester City will remain in Orlando for their Monday meeting with Al Hilal.

Stay with WafricNews for full coverage of the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stages.


WafricNews Sports Desk.

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