Trent Alexander-Arnold registered his first assist for Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso’s side defeated Juventus 1-0 to book a spot in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
Playing his fourth consecutive match at the tournament, Alexander-Arnold had a quiet first half at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium but made the decisive contribution early in the second, delivering a precise cross that Gonzalo Garcia powered home with a header in the 54th minute.
Despite the win, Madrid looked shaky in the opening period. Juventus created several chances, with Randal Kolo Muani missing a clear opportunity after being played in by Kenan Yildiz, whose earlier long-range shot was deflected wide. Jude Bellingham came closest for Madrid before the break but was denied at a tight angle by standout goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, who also pulled off a superb save to stop Federico Valverde.
Di Gregorio continued to impress after the restart, saving efforts from Bellingham and Dean Huijsen, but Garcia’s bullet header left him with no chance.
Garcia was substituted 14 minutes later for Kylian Mbappé, who made his tournament debut after recovering from gastroenteritis.
Real Madrid now await the winner of the last-16 clash between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey, with a quarter-final meeting set for this weekend.
