sevendayweekender – Real Madrid secured a convincing 3-0 win over RB Salzburg to top Group H in the FIFA Club World Cup. The match, held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, showcased a bold tactical move by new manager Xabi Alonso. For the first time since taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso employed a five-man defense.
Wing-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia played high up the pitch, while Aurelien Tchouameni slotted between central defenders Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen. This system allowed Real Madrid to dominate both defensively and in transition. The strategy marked a clear departure from the traditional 4-3-3 used by Ancelotti and Zidane. Alonso’s formation drew comparisons to Vicente del Bosque’s setup in the early 2000s. Real Madrid appeared comfortable with the change, controlling the game from start to finish. The tactical shift proved effective, setting the stage for a deeper run in the competition.
Vinicius Jr and Valverde Shine in Commanding First Half
Real Madrid struck early and controlled the tempo throughout the match. Vinicius Jr opened the scoring with a low finish after weaving past two Salzburg defenders. His creativity continued, delivering a clever backheel assist to Federico Valverde just before halftime.
Valverde’s finish made it 2-0 and gave Madrid a cushion heading into the break. The first half highlighted Madrid’s fluid attacking transitions, made easier by the space created from their new wing-back system. Salzburg struggled to contain Real’s movement and failed to threaten Andriy Lunin’s goal with any consistency. The Austrian side lacked the cutting edge required to stay competitive in a high-stakes encounter.
Gonzalo Garcia Adds Spark With Third Goal
The second half saw Madrid maintain control without letting intensity drop. Academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia capped the performance with a composed chipped finish. The 19-year-old’s goal added a personal milestone to the team’s dominant outing.
Garcia’s rise reflects Real Madrid’s growing trust in youth, something Alonso appears keen to encourage. His contribution further highlighted the depth of Real’s squad heading into the knockout stage. Despite already leading comfortably, Madrid did not sit back. The team maintained focus, and their structure never wavered. Salzburg were unable to mount any significant response, ensuring Madrid kept a clean sheet.
Xabi Alonso’s Influence Already Taking Shape
Speaking after the match, Vinicius Jr emphasized the team’s gradual adaptation to Alonso’s tactics. “We’re taking it step-by-step,” he told DAZN. He acknowledged that full adaptation takes time, but the performance showed promise.
Alonso’s early impact is evident in the team’s defensive organization and improved width in attack. His experience as a player and tactical insight as a manager appear to be shaping a more modern and balanced Real Madrid. While still in transition, the squad seems to be embracing Alonso’s philosophy. The win over Salzburg reflects a growing confidence in the system and a squad united behind its new manager.
What Comes Next for Real Madrid and RB Salzburg
With the group stage concluded, Real Madrid now advance to the Round of 16. They will face Group G runners-up Juventus in Florida on 1 July at 02:00 BST. The clash promises to be one of the tournament’s marquee matchups.
Meanwhile, RB Salzburg exit the competition after finishing third in the group. Despite collecting four points, they fell just one short of runners-up Al-Hilal. Salzburg return home, left to reflect on what might have been. Real Madrid, on the other hand, carry momentum and a growing sense of identity. Their next match will be a major test of Alonso’s evolving system and the squad’s ability to execute it under pressure.
