Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his fourth consecutive start at the Club World Cup with his first assist for Real Madrid, setting up Gonzalo Garcia’s winner in a 1-0 victory over Juventus at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Xabi Alonso’s side looked shaky early on, struggling in their 5-3-2 shape as Juventus created the better chances. Randal Kolo Muani missed a big opportunity after being released by Kenan Yildiz, while Madrid needed sharp stops from Andriy Lunin to stay level.
Madrid’s clearest first-half chances fell to Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, both denied by Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, who continued his fine form into the second half with saves from Bellingham and Dean Huijsen.
But nine minutes after the restart, Alexander-Arnold produced a trademark whipped cross that 21-year-old Garcia powered past Di Gregorio for his third goal of the tournament. It proved decisive, sealing Madrid’s third straight win under Alonso.
Garcia was replaced soon after by Kylian Mbappé, who made his first appearance of the tournament following a recovery from gastroenteritis.
Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint delivery brought back memories of his Liverpool days, where he tallied 92 assists in 354 appearances; the most by any Premier League defender in that span. Madrid fans will hope this is the beginning of a similar return.
With Garcia and Arda Güler emerging as bright sparks, Alonso’s reshaped side head into the quarter-finals full of momentum. They’ll face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey next, with their eyes firmly on the Club World Cup title.
