Staff Reporter
Vinícius Júnior’s backheel brilliance stunned spectators as Real Madrid overpowered RB Salzburg 3-0 in the Club World Cup clash at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. The Brazilian forward scored once and crafted a stunning assist for Federico Valverde, guiding Madrid to top Group H and secure a spot in the last 16, where they face Juventus. Coach Xabi Alonso praised Vinícius’ effort and introduced a bold formation shift. Young striker Gonzalo García added flair with a late goal, continuing his rise in Mbappé’s absence. A night of flair, tactics, and quiet dominance.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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Vinícius Júnior nets a goal and delivers a stunning backheel assist, calling it “one of the best” in his career.
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Real Madrid defeats RB Salzburg 3-0 and tops Group H in the Club World Cup.
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Federico Valverde and Gonzalo García also score in Madrid’s convincing win.
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Coach Xabi Alonso introduces a new tactical shape with three central defenders.
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Alonso praises Vinícius for his defensive work and discipline off the ball.
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Gonzalo García, 21, impresses again in Mbappé’s absence.
In a performance marked by moments of individual brilliance and collective evolution, Real Madrid surged past RB Salzburg with a 3-0 victory at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night, securing their spot in the last 16 of the Club World Cup. At the heart of Madrid’s commanding win was a dazzling backheel assist from Vinícius Júnior — a moment the Brazilian forward himself hailed as one of the best of his career.
Real Madrid went into the match already showing signs of tactical experimentation under head coach Xabi Alonso, but few expected the team to gel so fluently. The first half showcased a Madrid side playing with composure, flexibility, and flair. It was Vinícius who opened the scoring in the 40th minute, finishing confidently to give Madrid the lead. But it was his second contribution that truly caught the spotlight.
Just before the halftime whistle, Vinícius executed a backheel pass that threaded perfectly through Salzburg’s defense and found Federico Valverde, who calmly slotted the ball home to double Madrid’s advantage. The assist drew immediate comparisons to a legendary moment in club history — Guti’s famous backheel pass to Karim Benzema against Deportivo La Coruña in 2010.
“I’m very happy with the assist,” said Vinícius after the match, beaming with pride.
“I think it’s one of the best I’ve had in my career.”
His performance didn’t just earn Madrid a place at the top of Group H — it earned him MVP honors for the match and reinforced his growing maturity under Alonso’s guidance.
Vinícius also credited the coaching shift and Alonso’s methods for helping the team evolve over the past two weeks.
“They’ve been two very good weeks. We’re gaining confidence and trying to understand as quickly as possible what the boss wants,” he explained.
“I have to play inside a bit more, and I’ve always liked that — it puts me closer to goal.”
Coach Xabi Alonso, while impressed by Vinícius’ backheel, stopped short of placing it above Guti’s iconic assist — though he acknowledged the brilliance of the execution.
“Vini’s was very good,” Alonso told DAZN.
“But I was on the field for Guti’s, and it was crazy. So I’ll go with that one. But Vini’s was almost, almost the same.”
Yet, Alonso was quick to point out that the forward’s value extended beyond flashy plays. He underlined Vinícius’ work rate and his growing tactical discipline as key to Madrid’s new system.
“Vini had a great game, but not just the goal and assist — I focus on his sacrifice, his defensive commitment,” Alonso said.
“It allowed us to be very compact with and without the ball, and then in attack, having a bit more freedom. I’m happy for Vini. It’s important to feel good. We all have a good feeling — me too — but there’s a long way to go.”
The shift in strategy was another talking point of the night. Madrid lined up with three central defenders — a tactical wrinkle Alonso had been toying with since his Bayer Leverkusen days. The setup offered Madrid greater control in transition and defensive solidity against Salzburg’s pressing game.
“It’s always been there, in my head,” Alonso said of the formation.
“The players have the intelligence and the football culture to know why we use it, and the positive things we get from it. In the first half, we had a lot of stability and maturity. Having that flexibility helps us.”
Amid all the tactical and creative flair, 21-year-old Gonzalo García continued to stake his claim. Coming on late in the second half, the young forward pounced on an opportunity in the 84th minute to seal the win with a third goal. It was his second strike in three matches — a performance that did not go unnoticed.
“[Garcia] is a typical number nine,” Alonso noted.
“He reminds me of Raul. He’s always in the right position, always waiting for the chance, and he has a great work ethic.”
With Kylian Mbappé still sidelined due to gastroenteritis, García’s emergence has added timely depth to Madrid’s attacking options.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will face Juventus in the next round. With Vinícius in form, tactical versatility unfolding, and young talent rising to the occasion, Alonso’s side seems poised for a deeper run in the tournament. The team appears to be adjusting quickly to new ideas while still retaining the identity that has made the club a force in world football.
One brilliant backheel may not define a season — but it certainly hints at something building under Alonso’s reign.
Real Madrid’s decisive victory over RB Salzburg was not just another win—it was a showcase of tactical evolution, rising young talent, and Vinícius Júnior’s creative genius. With a goal and a backheel assist he now considers one of the best of his career, Vinícius reminded fans and critics alike of his growing influence. Coach Xabi Alonso’s strategic shifts and trust in emerging players like Gonzalo García signaled a team both grounded and ambitious. As Madrid prepares to face Juventus, momentum and quiet confidence seem firmly in their favor.
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