A thrilling match at the Hard Rock Stadium that clinched a place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup ended with Real Madrid beating Juventus 1-0 in Miami, in a match that marked the return of Kylian Mbappe after the hospitalization that took him out of contention at the start of the competition.
This encounter started off very intensely with both teams looking to attack, but Juventus started the better and gave goalkeeper Courtois a hard time, having to prevent goals from moves created by young Yildiz, the Italian team's current standout. In an impact move, the youngster advanced down the left and evaded two defenders to hit a dangerous shot that was deflected by Tchouaméni.
However, Di Gregorio was also instrumental in ensuring a goalless first half, making some difficult saves in Juventus' favor, especially when the young Valverde took a shot from outside the box and made an excellent save. It's important to note the intensity of the match in a duel played after heavy rain.
But in the second half, Real Madrid pushed forward their lines and built up a significant lead. Bellingham needed just six minutes to hit a beautiful shot that Di Gregorio saved. Hujisen then hit a great shot from outside the area and the Juventus goalkeeper was crucial once again.
It didn't take long for Real's impeccable pressing to pay off. After searching for possession in midfield, Alexander-Arnold received the ball on the right and lifted his head to provide a beautiful assist for Gonzalo García, who rose free in the area and scored into the back of the net.
Juventus even tried to score more and applied pressure, mainly through Francisco Conceição's shot from outside the area, but without the power to react, Juve were unable to turn up the volume and were caught out by Real Madrid, who secured their qualification.
Real Madrid are favorites to reach the final of the Club World Cup
If the projections are confirmed, everything points to Real Madrid and PSG making the final of the Club World Cup, the final most desired by FIFA. However, it is important to beware of possible surprises, mainly Chelsea and the Brazilian teams (Palmeiras and Fluminense)