Gonzalo Garcia takes Real Madrid to the quarter-finals: “New Raul” explodes at Club World Cup

VHO - Real Madrid won a ticket to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after a 1-0 victory over Juventus, with the highlight being the first assist of new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold and the third goal of the tournament by young striker Gonzalo Garcia, the player that coach Xabi Alonso described as "the new Raul".

Gonzalo Garcia scored the only goal to help Real Madrid beat Juventus

Alexander-Arnold made his first mark at Real Madrid

From the moment he joined Real Madrid for a fee of around £8.4 million, although he could have arrived as a free agent a month later, Trent Alexander-Arnold has created a lot of controversy.

But coach Xabi Alonso wants him available in time for the Club World Cup campaign and Real are willing to pay an early release clause.

After four consecutive starts, the English defender made his first mark in his new shirt. In the match against Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), he sent an accurate cross to help Gonzalo Garcia score the only goal in the 54th minute, sending Real into the last 8.

Previously, Alexander-Arnold played the full 90 minutes in the matches against Salzburg and Pachuca, increasingly integrating well with the 3-5-2 formation applied by coach Alonso.

After a rough start against Al Hilal (losing the ball a lot, weak competition), the 26-year-old defender is gradually regaining his ball feel, especially in the wing-back role.

“It was a great move from Trent,” said commentator John Obi Mikel, a former Chelsea player. “He has always had a great passing ability, he just needs time to adapt to the new system.”

Mbappe has not fully recovered, Real Madrid has Gonzalo Garcia

Gonzalo Garcia – "The new Raúl" at the Bernabéu

Gonzalo Garcia, the author of the only goal for Real Madrid, is emerging as the team's biggest phenomenon in this tournament. With 3 goals in 4 matches, the 21-year-old striker is the Royal team's top scorer at the Club World Cup 2025.

Garcia came through the Real academy, played for the Castilla youth team and made his senior debut in November 2022. He scored his first goal in the Copa del Rey in early 2025 and is now bursting onto the international scene.

Coach Alonso did not hide his expectations: “Garcia is a typical number 9 – moving wisely, knowing how to wait for the opportunity. He has the same qualities as Raúl.”

Former player Mikel even commented: "Who needs Mbappé when we have Garcia? This kid deserves to be in the starting lineup. These are the great things we want to see, young talent taking advantage of opportunities."

Also against Juventus, Kylian Mbappé returned to the pitch after recovering from gastritis, but it was Garcia who stole the spotlight. Real Madrid, therefore, continued their impressive run of form under Alonso, winning all four of their Club World Cup matches.

Alexander-Arnold made his first mark at Real Madrid

Bright spots and question marks

Besides Garcia, Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio also left his mark with 10 saves, bringing his total in the tournament to 27. However, Garcia's dangerous header after Alexander-Arnold's cross still left him helpless.

Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani of Juventus had a chance to open the scoring in the first minute of the first half but shot over the bar when facing Courtois. This situation was considered a turning point that prevented the "Old Lady" from gaining an advantage.

While Alexander-Arnold has impressed with his assists, he still has room for improvement defensively. Against Juventus, he won just 2/5 duels and 1/2 tackles.

“It’s good to see him getting into rhythm. But you can’t ask for too much straight away,” said DAZN commentator Michael Brown. “He needs to learn how to control the tempo without Salah.”

Goalkeeper Courtois was full of praise for Alexander-Arnold: “In training, he is very annoying. Trent's corners and crosses are on another level.”

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final schedule (Vietnam time)

• 2:00 a.m. July 5: Fluminense vs Al Hilal

• 8:00 a.m. July 5: Palmeiras vs Chelsea

• 11:00 p.m. July 5: PSG vs Bayern Munich

• 03:00 July 6: Real Madrid vs Dortmund or Monterrey

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/gonzalo-garcia-dua-real-madrid-vao-tu-ket-raul-moi-bung-no-o-club-world-cup-148303.html