Real Madrid Advances Last 16 Club World Cup After 3-0 Win Over Salzburg

Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg to top Group H and advance to the last 16 of the Club World Cup, setting up a match against Juventus in Miami. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid deployed a new five-man defense system, reminiscent of Vicente del Bosque’s 2000 Champions League-winning side, which marked a tactical shift from the previous 4-3-3 formation. Vinicius Jr. played a pivotal role, scoring the first goal and assisting Federico Valverde's strike, while Gonzalo Garcia added a late third goal. Despite the absence of Kylian Mbappé due to illness, Madrid showed improved defensive solidity and attacking cohesion, adapting well to Alonso's tactics. RB Salzburg, eliminated after this defeat, were overtaken in the group by Al Hilal, who advanced to face Manchester City. Real Madrid's performance under Alonso signals a promising adaptation period as they seek to claim the Club World Cup trophy amid a challenging season.