OneFootball
·27 juin 2025
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·27 juin 2025
Everything according to plan in Group H of the Club World Cup. Real Madrid puts an exclamation point on the first place by defeating Salzburg 3-0 and takes the lead of the group.
Behind the Merengues is Al Hilal led by Simone Inzaghi, who struggles more than expected against an already eliminated Pachuca, but in the end secures a spot in the knockout stage.
The best version of Real seen so far in the tournament arrives at the right moment. Without Mbappé, but with a revamped tactical plan – a solid 3-4-2-1 – Xabi Alonso organizes the defense and wraps up the Salzburg match.
It takes a flash from Bellingham to ignite the match: his assist frees Vinicius Jr., ice-cold in scoring the 1-0 at the 40th minute. The Brazilian is also a key player in the second goal, with an applaudable backheel that sends Valverde through, who perfectly finishes the action in the first-half stoppage time.
Young Gonzalo Garcia seals the 3-0 in the final moments, scoring his second goal in the tournament.
Mission accomplished for Al Hilal as well, but with a ninety-minute thrill. Against a Pachuca already without objectives, the Saudis take the lead with the usual signature of Al-Dawsari, but then struggle tremendously to close the qualification deal.
The Mexicans stay in the game until the 95th minute, when Marcos Leonardo's strike makes it 2-0 and secures the ticket to the round of 16. A sigh of relief for Inzaghi, who now prepares for the toughest challenge.
Awaiting the Saudi club in the round of 16 will be Guardiola's Manchester City, fresh from a five-goal performance against Juventus.
On July 1st in Orlando, it will already be a do-or-die match. But if the feat against Manchester City succeeds, in the quarterfinals Inzaghi might face a special encounter: his old Inter.
Juventus, on the other hand, will have to quickly erase the heavy defeat against the English. No time to dwell: in the round of 16, there's Real Madrid. A daunting opponent, for sure. But after all, the Club World Cup is made for those who aren't afraid to dream.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
📸 FEDERICO PARRA - AFP or licensors