Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus: Gonzalo Garcia strikes again as Bianconeri bow out quietly

Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus: Gonzalo Garcia strikes again as Bianconeri bow out quietly.

Gonzalo Garcia Sends Real Madrid Past Juventus in Sluggish Club World Cup Clash

Real Madrid booked their place in the Club World Cup final with a narrow 1-0 win over Juventus in a labored encounter in Miami, where Gonzalo Garcia once again proved the difference-maker.

In the stifling Florida humidity, energy and intensity were in short supply. The oppressive conditions took a visible toll on both European giants, who delivered a match that was more attritional than electric.

Garcia, 21, stepped up yet again in the absence of the unwell Kylian Mbappé, scoring the decisive goal shortly after the break. The young forward’s third strike in four tournament matches adds weight to his growing case for a regular role in Real’s glittering lineup.

Juventus came into the semi-final still smarting from a bruising 5-2 loss to Manchester City, but manager Igor Tudor rotated his squad heavily in hopes of a reset. His side started with intent and carved out the first big chance of the game. Randal Kolo Muani, returning to the XI, latched onto Kenan Yildiz’s incisive through ball and lofted a chip over Thibaut Courtois — only to see it drift just wide of the post.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, began sluggishly. Though solid at the back when pressed, their first-half attacking efforts rarely troubled Juve. Their best opportunity came on the half-hour mark when Jude Bellingham met Arda Güler’s cross at the near post, only for Daniele Rugani to clear off the line.

Aurelien Tchouameni’s mistimed header — completely missing a superb Güler delivery — summed up Real’s lack of sharpness in front of goal during a goalless first half that reflected the overall tempo.

Things shifted after the restart. Madrid came out with renewed urgency, and both Bellingham and former Juve defender Dean Huijsen had early looks. The breakthrough arrived minutes later: Trent Alexander-Arnold curled in a pinpoint cross, and Garcia rose highest to head home.

The goal marked a significant moment for the youngster, further solidifying his breakout tournament as he continues to thrive in Mbappé’s stead.

Madrid dominated possession from that point and came close to doubling their lead. Federico Valverde forced a reflex save from Michele Di Gregorio with an ambitious bicycle kick, but chances came and went without reward.

Mbappé, recently recovered from a bout of gastroenteritis, was introduced late on for his tournament debut under new manager Xabi Alonso. However, the French star was clearly not at full fitness, contributing little during a subdued cameo that only highlighted Garcia’s impact.

As time ticked on and the Miami air grew ever more suffocating, Real chose control over ambition, seeing out the game with calm possession and measured play from the back.

It wasn’t a classic, but Real Madrid did enough — thanks once again to Garcia — to move on, while Juventus exit the competition with little more than regrets.