Clinical Real Madrid Outclass RB Salzburg to Seal Group H in Club World Cup
Real Madrid were in cruise control on June 26, 2025, as they swept aside RB Salzburg 3-0 at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. The Spanish giants didn’t just win—they made a statement, taking the FIFA Club World Cup Group H top spot while barely breaking sweat. The heat and possible rain showers couldn’t slow down Xabi Alonso’s side, who dictated the rhythm from the first whistle and never let Salzburg find their footing.
The match had the trademark Madrid fingerprint: control, quick transition, and ruthless execution up front. Early on, Jude Bellingham sent a laser-like pass through Salzburg’s defense, finding Vinícius Júnior darting into the box. The Brazilian’s finish was cold-blooded, left-footed, and left Salzburg’s keeper rooted to his spot. If the first goal was about turning opportunity into gold, the second—just eight minutes later—showed off Vinícius’s creativity. With his back to goal, he flicked a cheeky backheel into Fede Valverde’s path. Valverde obliged with a first-time hit that doubled the lead, all before Salzburg had even managed a shot on target.
Madrid’s defensive line, led by the returning Antonio Rüdiger, wasn’t just solid—it was intimidating. Salzburg’s rare breaks were swallowed up quickly, with Rüdiger making it look as if he’d never missed time to injury. Thibaut Courtois, in goal, stamped out any hope Salzburg had with two sharp stops early in the second half as the Austrians pushed desperately to get back in the game. Madrid just soaked it all up, inviting the press, before hitting back at speed.
Midway through the second half, attention shifted to another of Alonso’s trusted young guns: Dean Huijsen. The 20-year-old settled the midfield with smart passing and cool decisions, letting Madrid control tempo and space. Then, just when Salzburg looked out of ideas, Gonzalo García popped up with Madrid’s third. That’s his second goal in three starts—Alonso’s faith in rotating attackers is clearly paying off.
This win puts Real Madrid at the head of their group, thanks to both a superior goal difference and having already taken care of Salzburg in their previous matchup. Clipping the group stage in style means Madrid now look forward to facing Juventus in Miami on July 1—a tie that, on paper, looks a touch softer than some of the other potential round of 16 pairings lined up elsewhere in the tournament.
Tactically, Alonso’s set-up clicked. Madrid took their chances, broke quickly from their own half, and never let Salzburg’s forwards find any momentum. Their defensive transitions were slick, their attack clinical, and the result never really looked in doubt after the opening goal. This was more than just another Madrid win—it was a reminder: in the biggest competitions, this team knows how to get the job done. Few sides look as ready or as confident heading into the round of 16.
Star Performers and Next Steps
Vinícius Júnior is stealing headlines, but Madrid’s performance was built on the foundation of returning veterans and emerging stars. Antonio Rüdiger’s leadership in the backline can’t be overstated; his ability to read play and neutralize threats set the tone. Dean Huijsen’s maturity at just 20 brought balance in midfield, allowing Madrid’s wingers and fullbacks to move with freedom.
With the round of 16 set for Miami, fans are already buzzing about what Madrid might show against Juventus. The Italian side poses a fresh threat, but if Madrid’s blend of resilient defense and sharp attack keeps firing, it’s hard to see them stumbling early. Alonso’s group only seems to be getting stronger as the tournament ramps up—and after a night like this in Philadelphia, you get the sense they’re nowhere near their peak yet.