Real Madrid beat RB Salzburg, shaping a new look under coach Xabi Alonso

VHO - Real Madrid won 3-0 against RB Salzburg, closing the 2025 Club World Cup group stage with the top spot in Group H. This match marked a bold tactical shift by coach Xabi Alonso, along with an explosive performance by Vinicius Júnior, who was voted the best player of the match.

Vinicius made his mark with the "best assist of his career" as the player admitted.

Three-center-back formation and tactical turning point

For the first time since replacing Carlo Ancelotti, coach Xabi Alonso used a three-man central defence for Real Madrid, with Aurelien Tchouameni playing in the middle of a defensive trio alongside Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran García were deployed as wide players, while Arda Güler took on a central role as playmaker. The system was reminiscent of Vicente del Bosque, who led Real to Champions League glory in 2000.

In the rain in Philadelphia, Real Madrid pressed high from the start, making it almost impossible for Salzburg to escape from the penalty area in the first 30 minutes. Gonzalo García, playing for the third consecutive match, and Huijsen stood out with their ability to challenge and read situations.

Vinícius Júnior Detonator

After many missed chances, the turning point came in the 40th minute. Jude Bellingham sent a perfect through ball for Vinícius to sprint past two defenders and finish diagonally past 18-year-old goalkeeper Zawieschitzky.

However, the most classy move came in first-half stoppage time, when Vinícius received the ball in the penalty area and suddenly made an improvised backheel pass for Federico Valverde to easily finish to make it 2-0.

The assist reminded many of Guti’s famous pass of yesteryear. “It was one of the best assists of my career,” Vinícius said. “I’m trying to understand quickly what the coach is asking me to do. Being able to play inside, closer to the goal, is something I really like.”

Coach Alonso also did not hesitate to praise: "He played wonderfully, not only because of the goals and assists. Vinícius' spirit of sacrifice and adherence to tactics were the key to helping us control the game."

Gonzalo García, Raul's successor

While Kylian Mbappé is still being treated for gastritis, young talent Gonzalo García once again took advantage of the opportunity.

In the 84th minute, from a quick counter-attack initiated by Trent Alexander-Arnold, García approached, stole the ball from a Salzburg defender and then finished delicately with a chip over the goalkeeper's head, making the score 3-0.

Coach Alonso commented: “He is a classic striker, reminding me of Raúl. Always in the right position, always ready and especially very hard-working.”

The victory helped Real Madrid gain 7 points after three matches, leading Group H. Al Hilal (5 points) ranked second and will face Manchester City, the team that beat Juventus 5-2 in Group G. Meanwhile, Real will face Juventus in the round of 16 on July 2 in Miami.

Coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that there is still a lot of work to do, but he was satisfied with the tactical flexibility and fighting spirit of the whole team: "I also feel very positive, but there is a long way to go. The important thing is that the team is on the right track."

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/real-madrid-thang-dam-rb-salzburg-dinh-hinh-dien-mao-moi-duoi-thoi-hlv-xabi-alonso-146708.html