Trent shines as Real Madrid squeeze past Juventus to book quarter-final slot

Gonzalo Garcia celebrates his goal withTrent Alexander Arnold

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Gonzalo Garcia of Real Madrid (r) celebrates scoring their first goal with Trent Alexander Arnold of Real Madrid (l) during the Real Madrid vs Juventus FIFA Club World Cup match at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens. Picture credit: David Klein Sportimage

Trent shines as Real Madrid squeeze past Juventus to book quarter-final slot

Faruq Ibrahim 22:19 - 01.07.2025

Real Madrid book a slot in the Club World Cup's quarter-final at Juventus's expense.

`Both teams were evenly matched in the first-half, but Real Madrid took control in the second half, with Los Blancos scoring a solitary goal to advance into the next round.

The lone goal came off Gonzalo Garcia's head, continuing his impressive run of scoring in the competition. However, Trent Arnold's assist from a pinpoint cross was the more impressive action.

Key match details

Juventus dominated the opening 10 minutes, pinning Madrid deep in their own half. Randal Kolo Muani had a golden opportunity to score but his audacious chip sailed over the crossbar. Moments later, Kenan Yıldız's long-range effort was deflected and narrowly missed the target.

Madrid struggled to create scoring chances, but Jude Bellingham's energetic run behind the Juventus defence led to a promising opportunity. However, Michele Di Gregorio made a crucial save, and Daniele Rugani cleared the ball off the line. 

Di Gregorio was again called upon to make a spectacular save, this time denying Federico Valverde's 30-yard strike just before halftime. Di Gregorio making saves seemed to be the theme of the match from that point on, as he had more to do in the second half. 

However, the second half began with Juventus pushing for a goal, but to no avail. it was Real Madrid who struck first. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a pinpoint cross that Gonzalo García headed home. 

 Real Madrid could have compounded the scoreline, but Di Gregorio's heroics kept the Old Lady in the game. However, they failed to take the opportunity and equalise, as Real Madrid best them to advance.