The highly anticipated Real Madrid vs Juventus clash in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 was a true spectacle, featuring European giants battling for a spot in the quarterfinals. Here’s everything you need to know about the Real Madrid vs Juventus date and time, the match highlights, and what’s next for both teams.
Real Madrid vs Juventus Date and Time
- Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (local time, Miami) / Wednesday, July 2, 2025 (IST)
- Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM ET (local), 12:30 AM IST (Wednesday)
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
Match Recap
Real Madrid advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Juventus, thanks to a decisive header from academy graduate Gonzalo García in the 54th minute. The match was tightly contested, with both sides creating chances, but Real’s quality shone through in the second half.
Starting Lineups
Real Madrid:
Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Fran García, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo García.
Key Subs: Mbappé, Modric, Rodrygo.
Juventus:
Di Gregorio, Kalulu, Rugani, Kelly, Oliveira Baio, Locatelli, Thuram-Ulien, Cambiaso, Conceição, Yildiz, Kolo Muani.
Key Subs: Vlahovic, Koopmeiners, McKennie.
Match Summary & Stats
- Final Score: Real Madrid 1–0 Juventus
- Goal: 54′ – Gonzalo García (header from Trent‑Alexander Arnold cross; his 3rd goal of the tournament)
- Attendance: ~62,000 at Hard Rock Stadium
- Formational Setup: Real deployed a 3‑4‑3 under Xabi Alonso; Juventus lined up in a resilient block
| Category | Real Madrid | Juventus |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on target) | 12 (4) | 7 (2) |
| Possession | ~58% | ~42% |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Goalkeeper saves | Courtois: 3 | Di Gregorio: 10 (including denies of Bellingham, Valverde) |
Key Performers & Tactical Nuggets
- Gonzalo García: Scored the decisive header; now 3 goals in 4 matches—emerging Academy hero.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: Provided the assist with a pinpoint 54th-minute cross.
- Federico Valverde: Engine in midfield, constant threat with long-range shots and driving runs. Named Man of the Match by Alonso; heavily involved in pressing .
- Thibaut Courtois: Solid as ever; two key saves under pressure .
- Michele Di Gregorio (Juventus): Warrior between the posts—ten saves kept Juve in contention.
- Kylian Mbappé: Made his tournament debut as a 68′ substitute. Still regaining sharpness after illness, but offered a burst of energy meant for upcoming rounds.
Turning Points
Real Madrid’s persistence paid off after weathering a bright Juventus start, where Kolo Muani missed a golden opportunity in the 7th minute and Yildiz fired wide. However, Real grew into the contest—Intense midfield pressing and wide play culminated in the pivotal Trent → García goal. Once ahead, Madrid controlled possession, disrupting Juventus's approach and stifling their comeback efforts.
Tactical Takeaways
- Xabi Alonso’s 3-4-3 gave control: overlapping full-backs and midfield dominance allowed Real to control the tempo and eventually break down Juventus’s defense.
- Juventus’s resilience was commendable—their setup troubled Madrid early, but eventual fatigue under Miami’s heat and continuous pressing undermined their effort.
- Focus on youth: García and Alexander-Arnold (loaned from Liverpool) started and delivered. Alonso’s blend of experience (Valverde, Courtois) and youth appears to be working.
What’s Next?
- Quarter-Final: Real Madrid will face the winner of Borussia Dortmund vs Monterrey, likely on Saturday 5 July.
- Player Form Watch: Mbappé's stamina and sharper tournament debut will be key; Juventus will reflect on near-miss performance and regroup for the new season.