Vinícius Jr. leads Real Madrid to the Club World Cup round of 16
In a standout performance, Vinícius Jr. shone with a goal and an assist, guiding Real Madrid to a resounding 3-0 victory over Salzburg. This triumph secures their place in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup, where they will face Juventus. The match, played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, saw a dominant Real Madrid from the start. Despite the adverse weather conditions, with rain and wind, the team managed to maintain control of the game.Merengue Domain from the Beginning
The white team, with an unusual tactical formation, imposed its rhythm from the first minute. The high pressure and the quick recovery of the ball in dangerous areas were key to the merengue’s dominance. Jude Bellingham stood out in the attack, effectively associating with his teammates.The first big opportunity came thanks to a connection between Bellingham and Vinícius, but the opposing goalkeeper managed to prevent the goal. However, the Brazilian later redeemed himself.
Vinícius Jr. and Bellingham, keys in the attack
The match changed its dynamics at the halfway point, with Salzburg gaining confidence. But Real Madrid knew how to take advantage of the spaces left by the opponent. Bellingham assisted Vinícius, who defined with precision to score the first goal. Vinícius, after a period without scoring, regained his best form and, before the break, assisted Fede Valverde with a spectacular backheel, increasing the lead.Second half and sentence
In the second half, Real Madrid managed their lead. Despite Salzburg’s attempts to react, the white team remained calm. The youth player Gonzalo García closed the scoring with a precise shot, securing the 3-0. Luka Modric and Rodrygo also had minutes, demonstrating the depth of the squad. The Real Madrid is now preparing to face Juventus in the round of 16, with the aim of advancing in the tournament.Lineups:
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger (Jacobo Ramón, m.66), Dean Huijsen, Aurélien Tchouameni, Fran García; Fede Valverde (Dani Ceballos, m.74), Arda Güler (Luka Modric, m.66), Jude Bellingham (Brahim Díaz, m.82); Vinícius Jr. (Rodrygo, m.66) and Gonzalo García.
Salzburg: Christian Zawieschitzky; Stefan Lainer, Joane Gadou, Jacob Rasmussen, Frans Krätzig; Nene Dorgeles (Samson Baidoo, m.89), Soumaïla Diabaté (Yorbe Vertessen, m.73), Mamady Diambou (Adam Daghim, m.45), Oscar Gloukh; Edmund Baidoo (Karim Onisiwo, m.89) and Petar Ratkov (Maurits Kjaergaard, m.45).
Goals: 0-1, m. 40: Vinícius Jr. 0-2, m.48: Federico Valverde. 0-3, m.84: Gonzalo García.Referee: Dahane Beida (MAU). No cards were shown.Incidents: Match corresponding to the third matchday of Group H of the Club World Cup played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia before 64,811 spectators.
