Key Points

Vinicius Jr dazzled with a goal and a clever assist as Real Madrid secured top spot in Group H. Salzburg fought back after halftime but fell short, crashing out of the tournament. The victory sets up a marquee last-16 clash with Juventus in Miami. Meanwhile, Al Hilal advanced after defeating Pachuca to set up a meeting with Manchester City.

Key Points: Vinicius Inspires Real Madrid Past Salzburg to Club WC Knockouts

  • Vinicius scores and assists in dominant first half
  • Salzburg eliminated despite second-half fightback
  • Madrid to face Juventus in last-16
  • Al Hilal clinch second place with Pachuca win
2 min read

Club WC: Vinicius shines as Madrid beat Salzburg to clinch top spot in Group H

Vinicius Jr scores and assists as Real Madrid top Group H, setting up a Club World Cup clash with Juventus after dominant Salzburg win.

"Vinicius was in the mood – FIFA on the Brazilian's standout performance"

Philadelphia, June 27

Vinicius Jr scored once and provided a brilliant assist as Real Madrid C.F. beat FC Salzburg to clinch top spot in Group H and set up a FIFA Club World Cup last-16 clash with Juventus FC.

The result, coupled with Al Hilal’s victory over CF Pachuca, means Salzburg have been eliminated.

Madrid dominated the first half and, after sustained pressure, made the breakthrough on 40 minutes. Vinicius raced on to a wonderful pass from Jude Bellingham before chopping onto his left foot and rifling a precision drive into the bottom corner. FIFA reports.

Vinicius was in the mood, and he turned provider for Madrid’s second on the stroke of half-time. Facing goal but tightly marked, the reigning Best FIFA Men’s Player set up Federico Valverde with an impudent backheel, and the Uruguayan duly slotted home.

Salzburg, to their credit, came out strongly in the second half and substitute Adam Daghim twice came close to pulling one back. First, his powerful effort forced a fine save from Thibaut Courtois, before he cracked a shot just over the bar. Bellingham then displayed his defensive smarts by making a vital block from Edmund Baidoo.

Xabi Alonso’s men struggled to display their first-half fluency after the break, but put the result beyond any doubt when Gonzalo Garcia netted with a cool chipped finish six minutes from time.

Madrid’s all-European showdown with Juventus will take place in Miami on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal produced the result they needed against CF Pachuca at GEODIS Park in Nashville to qualify for the last 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

With the win, the Saudi Arabian side finished second in Group H with five points and will meet Group G winners Manchester City in Orlando on June 30.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Vini Jr is pure magic! 🇮🇳🇧🇷 That backheel assist was next level. As an Indian football fan, it's amazing to watch such skills live at 2:30 AM! Hope our ISL players can learn from this quality.
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Priya M.
Madrid vs Juventus in Miami? Wish they'd bring these matches to India too! Our football fans deserve to see world-class players live. AIFF should work on getting some preseason friendlies here.
A
Arjun S.
Bellingham proving he's worth every penny - both in attack and defense. But can we talk about how these Club WC timings are brutal for Indian fans? 😴
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Sunita R.
Al Hilal qualifying shows how much Arab football has improved. Our Indian clubs need to step up - maybe more exposure tours to Middle East could help?
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Vikram J.
While Vinicius was brilliant, Madrid's defense still looks shaky. Juventus will test them more. Hope this tournament helps grow football in USA/India like cricket's IPL did!
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Neha P.
Watching these matches makes me wish we had even one Indian player at this level. Our grassroots development needs complete overhaul. #IndianFootballDream

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