Arda Güler (left) celebrates with goalscorer Gonzalo García. © ANSA / CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH

A Real Madrid youngster shoots Juventus out

For Juventus, the Club World Cup adventure is over. The Italian record champions were eliminated by Real Madrid in the round of 16 on Tuesday evening. A young striker made the difference.

July 01, 2025

From: apa/sn

Even though Gonzalo García's goal (54') decided the game, Real Madrid's victory was fully deserved. Juventus only gave the Spanish heavyweight a scare in the opening stages. After a perfect pass, Randal Kolo Muani ran past Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and his lob landed just over the bar (7'). Real subsequently gained more possession and also had a great chance. Jude Bellingham was denied by Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and Daniele Rugani, who cleared the ball off the line (30'). A long-range shot from Federico Valverde was parried into the corner by the Turin goalkeeper (45+1).

Immediately after the restart, the favorites' pressure increased, and this did not go unnoticed. Following a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, García headed in powerfully from five meters. For the 21-year-old Spaniard, who normally plays for the reserve team in the 3. Liga, it was his third goal in four matches. In the 68th minute, his workday came to an end, and Kylian Mbappé, who recovered from illness, came on to thunderous applause, making his tournament debut.

Juventus gets close to equalizing

Juve almost equalized immediately afterward, coming close to scoring with a shot from Nico Gonzalez (70th minute). At the other end, Di Gregorio denied the game with a foot save from Arda Güler (72nd minute) and a save from Aurelien Tchouameni (83rd minute). In the battle for a place in the semifinals, the Salzburg conqueror will face either Borussia Dortmund (Marcel Sabitzer) or Mexican representative CF Monterrey. These two teams will conclude the first knockout round on Wednesday night in Atlanta.

Club World Cup, Round of 16 – Results

Real Madrid – Juventus 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: 1-0 García (54.)

Manchester City – Al-Hilal 3:4 aet (1:0, 2:2)
Goals: 1:0 Silva (9th), 1:1 Leonardo (46th), 1:2 Malcom (52nd), 2:2 Haaland (55th), 2:3 Koulibaly (94th), 3:3 Foden (104th), 3:4 Leonardo (112th)

Borussia Dortmund – Monterrey (Wednesday, 3.00:XNUMX a.m.)