Vinícius Júnior stole the spotlight with a goal and an assist as Real Madrid cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg on Thursday, sealing top spot in Group H and booking their place in the Club World Cup round of 16.
With seven points from three matches, the Spanish giants edged Saudi side Al-Hilal, 2-0 winners over Pachuca, to finish two points clear at the summit.
Salzburg ended the group stage with four points, while Mexico’s Pachuca exited the tournament without a single point.
Real Madrid will now meet Juventus, Group G’s second-place finisher, in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday, while Al-Hilal take on Manchester City a day earlier in Orlando.
Played under persistent rainfall in Philadelphia, Xabi Alonso’s side dominated from start to finish, rarely troubled by a sluggish Salzburg outfit that struggled to mount any real threat.
Salzburg’s teenage goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky impressed early, pulling off a brilliant save to deny Vinícius from close range and keeping his side level through a flurry of first-half Madrid attacks.
Despite several missed opportunities from both Vinícius and Gonzalo García, the breakthrough finally came in the 40th minute.
Jude Bellingham sliced through Salzburg’s defense with a pinpoint pass to Vinícius, who weaved past two defenders before rifling in a powerful finish from the edge of the box.
The Brazilian wasn’t done. Deep into first-half stoppage time, he turned provider with a moment of brilliance, recovering a loose ball in the area and delivering a slick back-heel to Federico Valverde, who made it 2-0 from close range.
Madrid continued to dominate possession after the break but were guilty of spurning more chances. It wasn’t until the 84th minute that Gonzalo García finally added a third, latching onto a quick counterattack and coolly lobbing the advancing goalkeeper to seal the victory.
With their place in the next round confirmed, Real Madrid now shift focus to their clash with Juventus as they chase Club World Cup glory.