Real Madrid secured their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus in Miami on Tuesday, fueled by 21-year-old forward Gonzalo Garcia's third tournament goal. The rising star delivered a decisive header in the 54th minute, continuing his breakout performance in the absence of sidelined teammate Kylian Mbappe.
Youth Steps Up Amid Star Absence
Garcia has seized his opportunity during Mbappe's gastrointestinal illness recovery, contributing goals in all four of Real Madrid's matches. His second-half strike broke a tense deadlock after Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio made 10 saves to keep the Italian side competitive. "Garcia is writing his own story here," said coach Xabi Alonso, who reintroduced Mbappe in the 68th minute for the French forward's tournament debut.
Defensive Drama Sets Stage
The match saw relentless action, with Di Gregorio denying multiple close-range attempts early in the second half. Both teams created chances in a scoreless first half, including Randal Kolo Muani's near-miss for Juventus and Federico Valverde's saved effort for Madrid.
Road to Glory Continues
Los Blancos now face Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals after the German club edged Mexico's Monterrey 2-1. With Mbappe's return adding firepower, all eyes will be on whether Garcia can maintain his scoring streak as the tournament expands to 32 teams for the first time.
