Garcia’s Header Sends Real Madrid Past Juventus Into Club World Cup Quarter-Finals

Real Madrid secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Juventus to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, June 30. The match, played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, saw LaLiga’s most successful club push past a determined Juventus side that proved far more stubborn than expected.

The decisive moment came in the 54th minute when Gonzalo Garcia rose highest to meet a sublime cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 21-year-old forward’s glancing header left Juve’s goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio with no chance, sending the Spanish side into the last eight.

Juventus, despite their underdog status, matched Real’s intensity for most of the encounter. Max Allegri’s men were defensively disciplined and had their moments, but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Their best chances were thwarted by Andriy Lunin, who kept a clean sheet for Madrid.

Michele Di Gregorio, the Bianconeri’s summer signing from Monza, was undoubtedly their best performer, making five outstanding saves—one of which denied Jude Bellingham from close range in the 39th minute.

Madrid manager Xabi Alonso praised his squad’s patience and composure post-match, describing the performance as “mature” and “resilient.” Alonso, who is seeking his first major title with the Spanish giants, highlighted Garcia’s goal as “a reflection of our training ground work.”

The win sets up a quarter-final clash for Madrid against the winner of the Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey tie. That game is scheduled for Thursday, July 3, with the semi-finals kicking off on July 6.

Real Madrid are hunting for their sixth Club World Cup title, aiming to extend their dominance on the global stage. With the likes of Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and now Garcia in form, they remain tournament favourites.