Club World Cup: Mbappe returns as Real Madrid outclass Juventus to reach quarters
Prior to this, Mbappe had been admitted to hospital in Miami due to his illness, which caused him to miss all three group games-though his timely return to training ahead of this knockout fixture was a major morale boost.Even with limited minutes, Mbappe made an impression. He linked up smoothly with Vincius Jnior, created several chances, and completed 17 passes with only one miscue. Although he didn't find the back of the net, his movement and link-up play underscored his sharpness and suggested that top form under Alonso's system may be just around the corner.SOLID REAL SEE OFF JUVEadvertisementIn the early stages, Juventus looked lively and posed immediate threats. Randal Kolo Muani nearly opened the scoring with an audacious chip that sailed narrowly wide, while Kenan Yildiz also tested the waters with a long-range effort.Real Madrid Juventus#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/r4x8D8mpZL— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 1, 2025However, as the first half progressed, Real Madrid began to assert themselves, gaining control in midfield and forcing Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio into several important saves from Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham.Once Madrid took the lead, their dominance became more pronounced. Juventus failed to create clear opportunities, in part due to Real's disciplined pressing under coach Xabi Alonso.The Italian side grew increasingly frustrated as Madrid's defence held firm, ensuring that Garca's lone goal would be enough to see them through to the quarter-finals.PLENTY OF POSITIVESMore importantly, the result highlighted several positives for Xabi Alonso's side-the most significant being the spark shown in his favoured 3-4-3 formation, which offered glimpses of what the team could become under his leadership.Gonzalo Garca's emergence is another major takeaway. A consistent performer, Garca has now contributed to goals in all four of Madrid's matches at the tournament, offering pace, pressing intensity, and a keen eye for goal.DORTMUND ADVACNEadvertisementDortmund held off a stirring second-half fightback from Monterrey to complete the Club World Cup quarter-final line-up with a 2-1 win in a round-of-16 thriller at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Tuesday.Clinical finishes from Serhou Guirassy in the 14th and 24th minutes put Dortmund on top at the break but German Berterame hit back for Monterrey in the 48th minute and the Mexican club pressed for an equaliser until the final whistle. (With Reuters inputs)- Ends
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The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Real Madrid quarter-final just a bonus for 'overperforming' Dortmund
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
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6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
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