Club World Cup: Real Madrid beats Juventus 1-0 and flies to the quarters

Juventus said goodbye to the Club World Cup in the round of 16, defeated 1-0 by Real Madrid in a challenge that left the Bianconeri with more than one regret. Igor Tudor’s team played an excellent first half, putting the blancos in trouble and coming close to taking the lead on at least three occasions, but in the second half Real upped the tempo and found the decisive goal through Gonzalo Garcia. For the Bianconeri, yet another superlative performance by Michele Di Gregorio, still a star between the posts after his great saves against Manchester City, was not enough.

Juventus approached the match without fear, with Kenan Yildiz the author of a brilliant half-hour. The young Turk was the most dangerous man for the Bianconeri. First he put Kolo Muani in front of Courtois with a brilliant assist, then he personally touched the lead with a splendid individual action. Conceicao also had a tasty header chance, but in the first half the Madrid wall held up.

Real Madrid, starting without starting Mbappé, struggled in the first 45 minutes but shifted gears in the second half. After a few attempts repelled by Di Gregorio, the decisive goal came in the 54th minute. Alexander-Arnold drew a perfect cross for Garcia, whose header beat the blameless Juventus goalkeeper. With the advantage gained, Xabi Alonso’s team continued to push, coming close to doubling the score with Valverde and welcoming Mbappé, making his tournament debut.

Juventus tried to hang on to the match, but could no longer create any real danger. The change of Yildiz surprised many, and the team lost brilliance just when it needed lucidity.

Thus ended the Bianconeri’s adventure at the Club World Cup, with two wins and two losses. After Inter’s elimination, Juventus also leaves the competition, leaving Italy without representatives. Real Madrid continues the run and will face the winner between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey in the quarterfinals.