Real Madrid swept aside RB Salzburg 3-0 in Philadelphia on Thursday night to set up a last-16 clash with Juventus in the FIFA Club World Cup.
First-half goals from Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde, followed by a late strike from Gonzalo Garcia, ensured Xabi Alonso’s side topped Group H with seven points. The result sets up a meeting with the Serie A giants, who finished runners-up in Group G after losing 5-2 to Manchester City earlier in the day.
It took until the 40th minute for Los Blancos to break the deadlock, with Vinicius’ fine solo effort finally overcoming Salzburg’s resistance. The Brazilian then superbly set up Valverde to double the lead in first-half stoppage time.
RB Salzburg were left to rue several missed chances after the break, as Garcia punished them with a nonchalant, expertly taken goal to seal the result.
The Austrians were ultimately leapfrogged into second place by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who beat Mexico’s Pachuca 2-0 to book a tie with Pep Guardiola’s men in the next round.