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Gonzalo Garcia’s breakout tournament continued as his header guided Real Madrid to a 1-0 win over Juventus in the last 16 of the Club World Cup in Miami.
Having also netted against Al-Hilal and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage, the 21-year-old got between Daniele Rugani and Pierre Kalulu to nod Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross home in the 54th minute.
That represented Alexander-Arnold’s first assist for Madrid, and Juventus were unable to respond with their clearest chance coming in the first half.
Juventus’ best opportunity arrived in the seventh minute as Kenan Yildiz’s flick sent Randal Kolo Muani clean through on goal, only for his attempted dink over Thibaut Courtois to land on the roof of the net.
Yildiz also saw a spectacular effort deflect just wide, while Federico Valverde had a 25-yard blockbuster tipped around the post by Michele Di Gregorio on the stroke of half-time.
Alexander-Arnold rifled over the crossbar from the right corner of the box early in the second half, but soon afterwards, the former Liverpool man delivered a floated cross from a similar position, allowing Garcia to head past Di Gregorio from close range.
Francisco Conceicao’s curler was kept out by Courtois as Juventus hunted an immediate equaliser, but Madrid looked the more likely scorers of a second goal.
One more spot to fill… #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/tpPlVV9XQg
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 1, 2025
Valverde’s audacious overhead kick was clawed away by Di Gregorio, who also had to stay alert to block Arda Guler’s drive with his legs, leaving Madrid to settle for a one-goal win.
They will face the victor of Tuesday’s second game, between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey, in the last eight, with Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich potentially awaiting them in the semi-finals.
Data Debrief: Garcia’s 100% record continues
Garcia’s goal maintained his record as the only player to register a goal contribution in each of his team’s games at the 2025 Club World Cup, having also contributed an assist against Pachuca in the group stage.
His three goals have come from nine shots with a total expected goals (xG) value of 2.0, while only Benfica’s Angel Di Maria (with four goals) is above him in the scoring charts.
Garcia’s header provided a first assist in white for Alexander-Arnold, who holds the record for most assists by a defender in the Premier League (64), from his spell at Anfield.
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