Real Madrid Rolls Past RB Salzburg in Club World Cup Showdown
If you thought Real Madrid might take their foot off the gas in the final Group H face-off, think again. The Spanish powerhouse shrugged off RB Salzburg with a no-nonsense 3-0 win at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 26, booking their ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 with serious style. Twenty-four hours later, folks in the city were still talking about Vinícius Júnior’s slick moves and the sheer control Madrid displayed from the opening whistle.
It didn’t take long for Real Madrid to put their stamp on this fixture. Even in a stadium that’s seen its share of big sporting moments, the roar grew loudest as Madrid’s front line probed for an opener. Salzburg tried to press up but quickly ran into the white-shirted wall of Madrid’s midfield trio. For long stretches, it looked like the Austrians were chasing shadows.
Vinícius Júnior, who’s been on a tear in this competition, broke the game open five minutes before halftime. Collecting the ball just outside the box, he shimmied past a defender and drilled a left-footed shot into the net, giving Salzburg’s keeper no chance. He wasn’t done. Moments later, Vinícius—showing off that trademark flair—drew Salzburg’s defenders in, then flipped a back-heel into the path of Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder timed his run perfectly and doubled the advantage with a thumping finish.
That quick-fire double just before the break left Salzburg stunned and chasing a miracle. The Austrians, to their credit, came out swinging in the second half. For about 20 minutes, they carved their best chances, trying to pull one back. But Real Madrid’s defense, marshaled by the ever-calm Thibaut Courtois, kept the door firmly shut. Courtois made a couple of sharp stops, reminding everyone why he’s still considered one of the best goalkeepers around.
The match’s pace slowed as Madrid looked to manage their lead. Salzburg pushed higher, but it cost them at the back. With just a minute of regular time left, Madrid’s Gonzalo García, coming off the bench, applied the finishing touch. Latching onto a loose ball, he cleverly spotted the keeper off his line and lofted the ball over with a cool lob, sealing the 3-0 scoreline.
Next Up: Juventus Awaits as Madrid Tops Group
That win wasn’t just about style points. Topping Group H with seven points, Real Madrid left no doubt about who’s in charge, sending FC Salzburg and Pachuca packing in the process. Madrid’s prize? A juicy round-of-16 dual with Italian giants Juventus on June 30—a matchup that’s sure to draw eyes from every corner of the football world.
If fans are hoping for more fireworks, this next round promises plenty. On the other side of the draw, Saudi club Al-Hilal will meet Manchester City, with both teams keen to stake their claim in the global tournament. But for now, Madrid’s swagger and ruthless attack remain the toast of the Club World Cup. Whether it’s Vinícius dazzling on the flank, Valverde grabbing big moments, or Courtois pulling off game-saving stops, this Real Madrid team just keeps rolling—leaving rivals scrambling for answers.