Real Madrid Wins RB Salzburg 3–0 in Club World Cup Group H

Real Madrid proved once again why they are among the top football clubs in the world by delivering a dominant 3–0 win against RB Salzburg in the last Group H match of the FIFA Club World Cup. With goals from Vinícius Jr., Federico Valverde, and Gonzalo García, Madrid secured their place in the Round of 16 in style.

The match, played with high intensity and technical skill, showed Madrid’s experience, squad depth, and confidence. While Salzburg fought hard, they simply couldn’t match the quality on display from the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid Take Control Through Vinícius and Valverde

The game began with both sides testing each other out. Salzburg, despite being the underdogs, tried to press Madrid early and limit their time on the ball. However, Madrid’s passing and movement slowly started to take control.

In the 40th minute, Vinícius Jr. opened the scoring with a calm finish after cutting inside from the left wing. Assisted by Luka Modrić, the Brazilian made no mistake, curling the ball into the far corner past the Salzburg goalkeeper.Just a few minutes later, during first-half stoppage time (45+3′), Federico Valverde doubled Madrid’s lead. The Uruguayan midfielder took a powerful shot from just outside the box. It took a small deflection and ended up in the back of the net. The two quick goals before halftime completely shifted the energy of the match.

Coach Xavi Alonso said after the match:

“The team stayed patient and used space well. Vinícius and Valverde gave us the lift we needed.”

Second Half Salzburg Push, But Madrid Seal the Win

In the second half, RB Salzburg tried to respond. They showed more attacking intent, pushing higher up the pitch and creating a few chances. One of their best opportunities came in the 56th minute, but Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made a great diving save to keep the scoreline intact.

Madrid, on the other hand, looked relaxed and continued to dominate possession. In the 84th minute, young forward Gonzalo García came off the bench and scored his first senior goal for the club. His strike was a powerful shot from the edge of the box that flew past the keeper, making it 3–0 and ending any hopes Salzburg had of a comeback.

García later shared his excitement:

“Wearing this jersey and scoring today is a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. I’ll never forget this night.”

RB Salzburg’s Brave Effort Falls Short

While the score may suggest an easy win for Madrid, Salzburg did show moments of bravery and quality, especially in the second half. They continued to press, made smart passes, and looked for space on the wings. But they lacked the finishing touch and struggled to deal with Madrid’s solid defense.

Coach Gerhard Struber praised his team’s fight:

“We played with courage and heart. The experience of facing a team like Madrid will help our players grow stronger.”

Despite the loss, Salzburg still managed to qualify for the Round of 16, showing that their earlier efforts in the group stage paid off.

Madrid’s Squad Depth and Experience Shine Through

One of the key takeaways from the match was Real Madrid’s squad depth. Even without starting some of their biggest stars, Madrid looked organized, creative, and clinical. Xavi Alonso was able to rotate players and still maintain high quality on the field.

Veterans like Modrić and Carvajal brought calmness and leadership, while younger talents like García, Camavinga, and Bellingham offered energy and freshness.

Ancelotti noted:

“It’s not just about the starting XI. Every player on this team is ready. That’s what gives us our strength.”

Real Madrid and Al Hilal Enter Knockout Stage

With this win, Real Madrid top Group H with three straight victories and zero goals conceded. Their next challenge will be in the Round of 16, where tougher opponents await. But with the form they’re in, Madrid look like serious contenders for the Club World Cup trophy.

Al hilal also advance to the next round, finishing second in the group. Though they win their match with pachucha their overall performance throughout the group stage deserves credit.

Fans and Players React with Joy and Optimism

Fans around the world celebrated Real Madrid’s performance. Social media was flooded with praise for Vinícius Jr., Valverde, and García. Many fans also highlighted the teamwork and discipline of the whole squad.

One fan wrote: