FC Salzburg vs Real Madrid C.F.
Another one down. Rain couldn’t slow Madrid against FC Salzburg. Vini with a goal and an assist. Finding his form just at the right time. Washed away some of their troubles under the steady downpour. Now they have Juventus up next in a duel that promises to be one of the most exciting in the knockouts. Pretty surreal to think we’re already done with the Group Stages of the tournament. Feels like just yesterday we were kicking off in Miami. An honor to photograph European royalty three times in under two weeks.
Photography by: Rodolfho Chona & Peter Bonilla
Real Madrid secured a commanding 3-0 win over RB Salzburg on Thursday to claim first place in Group H of the Club World Cup. A goal and assist from Vinícius Júnior highlighted the Spanish giants’ performance under steady rain in Philadelphia, setting up a mouthwatering Round of 16 clash with Juventus in Miami.
The result reflected Real Madrid’s dominance, but the match wasn’t without its challenges. Salzburg’s 18-year-old goalkeeper, Christian Zawieschitzky, produced a stellar performance early on, keeping Vinícius and company at bay with a series of sharp saves. Yet, Madrid’s relentless pressure eventually broke through in the 40th minute.
Vinícius Júnior provided the breakthrough, latching onto a perfectly threaded pass from Jude Bellingham. The Brazilian danced past two defenders before unleashing a precise shot into the bottom corner, leaving Zawieschitzky rooted to the spot.
Just before halftime, Vinícius turned provider in spectacular fashion. Picking up a loose ball in the box, he delivered an audacious backheel assist to Federico Valverde, who fired home to double Madrid’s lead. It was a moment of ingenuity that showcased Vinícius’ burgeoning maturity as a playmaker.
The second half saw Salzburg make a spirited attempt to get back into the game, with substitute Adam Daghim forcing a fine save from Thibaut Courtois and coming close with another effort that sailed just over the bar. However, Madrid’s defense, anchored by the imperious Aurélien Tchouaméni, stood firm.
Madrid wrapped up the victory in the 84th minute when Gonzalo Garcia capitalized on a swift counterattack, lofting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to seal the win.
Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid continues to evolve, with the head coach experimenting tactically throughout the group stage. Against Salzburg, Madrid utilized a 3-1-4-2 formation, emphasizing fluid ball circulation and counter-pressing.
Aurélien Tchouaméni, described by Alonso as a “pillar” of the team, exemplified the system’s effectiveness. His hybrid role as a defensive midfielder and auxiliary center-back allowed Madrid to transition seamlessly between defense and attack.
Young talents like Arda Güler and Gonzalo Garcia also stepped up. Güler, adapting to a two-way midfield role, impressed with his defensive contributions and press resistance, while Garcia’s clinical finish underscored his potential as a future Spanish international.
With seven points from three matches, Real Madrid finishes atop Group H, two points clear of Al-Hilal. Salzburg and Pachuca were eliminated. Madrid now faces Juventus in a high-stakes European showdown in Miami, while Al-Hilal takes on Manchester City in Orlando.
For Xabi Alonso’s side, the performance against Salzburg was a step forward. “We are delighted with the result,” Alonso said post-match. “Now we face Juventus, one of Europe’s historic teams. It’s going to be tough, but we’re ready.”
As the tournament enters the knockout stages, Real Madrid’s blend of star power, tactical flexibility, and emerging talent makes them a team to watch in the race for Club World Cup glory.
