On June 14, 2025, Real Madrid CF turned a chilly Philadelphia night into a celebration, dismantling FC Salzburg 3-0 to book their place in the last-16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025Philadelphia. The win wasn’t just about results—it was a statement. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, the Spanish giants looked like a team finally finding its rhythm, and no one embodied that more than Vinicius Junior, whose blistering pace and pinpoint vision sparked the rout. The match, streamed free on DAZN, ended any lingering doubts about whether Madrid’s star-studded squad could click under pressure.
Valverde’s Double, Vinicius’s Masterclass
It didn’t take long for Real Madrid to announce their intent. At just 63 seconds into the match, Federico Valverde—the Uruguayan engine in midfield—finished off a perfectly timed cross from Vinicius Junior, sending the ball low and hard past Salzburg’s keeper. The crowd, packed with Madrid fans draped in white and gold, erupted. By the 171-second mark, Valverde struck again, this time after a dazzling one-two with Jude Bellingham, who slipped the ball through like a surgeon’s scalpel. The assist was subtle, but the finish? Pure power. Two goals. One minute and fifty-one seconds. The game was effectively over before halftime.
Then came the coup de grâce. Vinicius Junior, who had been dancing past defenders all half, cut inside from the left flank, drew two defenders like magnets, and slipped a pass to Brahim Díaz. The Spanish winger didn’t hesitate—low, hard, and into the bottom corner. 3-0. The goal was officially credited to Díaz, but everyone in the stadium knew: it was Vinicius’s show. He didn’t just score or assist—he dictated tempo, disrupted rhythm, and made Salzburg look slow, disorganized, and out of their depth.
The Alonso Effect: A New Era Takes Shape
It’s easy to forget that this is Xabi Alonso’s first major tournament as Real Madrid’s head coach. The former midfield maestro, who retired in 2019 after a glittering career at Bayern Munich and Spain’s national team, has spent the past year reshaping the squad’s identity. Gone is the rigid, possession-heavy system of Ancelotti. In its place: fluid transitions, aggressive pressing, and an almost reckless belief in individual brilliance. The Salzburg match was his clearest blueprint yet.
Alonso’s decision to start Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior together—despite reports of early-season friction—paid off. Mbappé, who netted 43 goals last season, didn’t find the net, but his presence stretched Salzburg’s defense to breaking point. Meanwhile, Vinicius, with 22 goals of his own, finally looked like the player Madrid paid €180 million for. As Al Jazeera noted, “There’s no choice but to pick Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinicius for all the big matches.” That’s not just tactical—it’s psychological. These three are the heartbeat now.
What’s Next? A Dream Rivalry Looms
With the win, Real Madrid advanced to face Juventus in the Round of 16. The matchup is more than just a fixture—it’s history. These two clubs have met 11 times in European competition since 2003, with Real Madrid winning eight. Their last meeting? The 2017 Champions League semifinal, where Madrid overturned a 3-1 deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate. Now, they’ll meet again on a slick Philadelphia pitch, under the same bright lights, with the same stakes.
And here’s the twist: Juventus are coming off a 2-1 win over Al Ahly, and their midfield trio of Locatelli, Vlahović, and Chiesa are in fine form. But Real Madrid have momentum. And confidence. And Vinicius Junior, who now has a goal and an assist in two Group H matches. He’s not just scoring—he’s becoming the player who turns games into spectacles.
Behind the Scenes: Adaptation and Expectations
It’s easy to overlook the human side of this machine. Both Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé faced early criticism after joining Madrid—reports in Sportstar suggested they struggled to adapt to the club’s culture, the media scrutiny, even the language. Mbappé, the global icon, was accused of being aloof. Vinicius, the boy from Rio, faced racial abuse online and criticism for his decision-making. But in Philadelphia, those narratives evaporated. Vinicius didn’t just play—he owned the pitch. And Mbappé? He didn’t need to score. He just needed to be there.
Even the pitch conditions mattered. DAZN’s broadcast noted the “slick surface” in Philadelphia—a surface that favored quick passing and sharp movement. Salzburg, used to Austria’s colder, firmer fields, struggled to adjust. Real Madrid? They thrived. It’s a small detail, but it speaks to Alonso’s attention to detail. He didn’t just pick a team—he picked the right team for the right conditions.
What’s the Bigger Picture?
This isn’t just about advancing to the next round. It’s about identity. Real Madrid, after years of managerial turnover and inconsistent performances, now have a clear direction. Alonso is building not just a team, but a legacy. And Vinicius Junior? He’s no longer the “future star.” He’s the present. The one who makes the impossible look routine. The one who, in the 63rd second of a World Cup match, reminds everyone why they came to watch.
With the tournament running through July 13, 2025, and all matches free on DAZN, the world is watching. And for the first time in a long while, Real Madrid aren’t just playing to win—they’re playing to inspire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Vinicius Junior’s performance impact Real Madrid’s tournament chances?
Vinicius Junior’s goal and assist against Salzburg were pivotal—he became the first Real Madrid player to register both in a Club World Cup match since 2018. His speed and creativity unlocked Salzburg’s defense, easing pressure on Mbappé and Bellingham. With his form rising, he’s now Real Madrid’s most reliable attacking option, increasing their odds of reaching the final. His 22 goals this season, combined with his playmaking, make him the team’s most dangerous weapon.
Why is Xabi Alonso’s management style different from previous Real Madrid coaches?
Unlike Ancelotti’s structured, possession-based system, Alonso favors high-intensity transitions and individual brilliance. He’s prioritizing pace over control, letting stars like Vinicius and Mbappé dictate play rather than forcing rigid formations. His background as a midfield controller gives him insight into spacing and timing, which explains why Bellingham and Valverde are thriving in deeper roles. It’s less about control and more about chaos—controlled chaos.
What’s the significance of Real Madrid facing Juventus in the Round of 16?
This is a European football classic—11 previous meetings, eight wins for Madrid, including two Champions League semifinals. Juventus haven’t reached the Club World Cup final since 2003, while Madrid have won it five times. The match carries emotional weight: both clubs are icons of European football, and this is their first meeting in a global tournament since 2017. For Madrid, it’s a chance to prove they’re back on top. For Juventus, it’s a shot at redemption.
Why was the Philadelphia pitch a factor in Real Madrid’s victory?
The slick, fast surface in Philadelphia favored technical teams with quick passing and movement—exactly Real Madrid’s style. Salzburg, accustomed to firmer, slower pitches in Austria, struggled to control the ball under pressure. DAZN’s commentary noted the “slick surface” helped Madrid’s one-touch combinations, especially between Vinicius and Valverde. It wasn’t luck—it was preparation. Alonso’s staff studied field conditions in every host city and adjusted training accordingly.
Is Kylian Mbappé finally settling into Real Madrid?
His goal tally (43 in the season) suggests he’s performing, but his impact goes beyond numbers. Against Salzburg, he didn’t score, but he drew three defenders consistently, creating space for Vinicius and Bellingham. Reports from Miami-based Sportstar indicate he’s now more vocal in the locker room and has started learning Spanish. His adaptation is slow but real—this match showed he’s learning to play the Madrid way, not just carry the team alone.
Can Real Madrid win the entire Club World Cup 2025?
They’re the favorites. With Vinicius Junior in form, Alonso’s tactical clarity, and the depth of Bellingham, Modrić, and Courtois, they’ve solved their early-season issues. Their path includes Juventus, then likely a clash with Manchester City or Al Hilal. But winning requires consistency—something Madrid lacked in 2024. If they keep playing like they did in Philadelphia, they’re not just contenders—they’re the team to beat.