Real Madrid secured their progression to the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday evening as they saw off Red Bull Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. After being held to a surprise draw by Al-Hilal in their opening group match, Los Blancos needed at least a point against their European opponents to seal their place in the knockout rounds.
They managed to get the result they needed as they cruised to a comfortable victory. Goals from Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde gave Xabi Alonso’s side a two-goal lead going into half-time. Gonzalo Garcia scored the only goal of the second half as Real Madrid recorded a 3-0 victory.
How Trent Alexander-Arnold Performed vs Salzburg
Spanish media have reacted to his display
All eyes have been on Trent Alexander-Arnold for his first few games as a Real Madrid player. He drew criticism on his debut against Al-Hilal, while he managed a slightly better performance in his second game against Pachuca. But how did he fare in his third match against RB Salzburg?
The 26-year-old was named in the starting lineup once again and he played the whole match. His statistics from the game make for positive reading: He was given a match rating of 7.5/10 by Sofascore as he made two key passes, won four tackles, recorded five clearances and won six of his 11 duels.
His highlights from the match have emerged and you can view them below:
Despite his impressive statistics and highlights, Spanish media have not been overly complimentary of his performance. Football Espana gave him a 6/10, writing: “Another mixed performance from Alexander Arnold. The England international has been workman-like in his first games for Real Madrid, and this followed that trend.”
Mundo Deportivo described him as ‘serious’, commenting: “The Englishman played a very serious game, without showing off, but always doing what he had to do.”
While AS English wrote: “He’s still not the fencer who can create chances for Madrid, but he did create a British connection with Bellingham (relocated to the right wing) that threatens—perhaps, as it turns out—to be very interesting. He’s gradually improving.”
Trent and Real Madrid will next be in action on Tuesday July 1 when they face Juventus in the last 16 of the competition. Should they beat the Italian giants, they will face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in the quarter-final.
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