In a crucial Club World Cup group match, Real Madrid welcomed Salzburg.This was a very important game for Real Madrid, and a loss could have led to an early exit.Luckily for them, they did a great job in the match and eventually beat their opponents 3-0, taking the first place in Group H and successfully advancing to the last 16 of the Club World Cup.
In this match, Real Madrid basically used the same lineup as in their last match against Pachuca, except for Asensio who was absent due to suspension.Like that game, they won again.This time, the goals were scored by Vinicius, Valverde and Garcia, and all three players combined to help seal the win.
The highlight of the match was undoubtedly Brazilian winger Vinicius.The 24-year-old striker had failed to score in the previous two matches, and his form was once questioned by the outside world.Coupled with the fact that Mbappe is still recovering from an injury, Coach Alonso still chose to trust him and gave him a chance to start.This time, Vinicius did not disappoint.
In the 40th minute of the game, Real Madrid played a quick counterattack.Bellingham sent a precise direct ball to find Vinicius, who was moving forward.After getting the ball, he quickly made a move, continuous change of direction to break through the defenders, and then swept the ball into the net, opening the first record for Real Madrid.This goal showed his outstanding individual ability.
Just a few minutes later, Vinicius contributed another wonderful assist.Real Madrid was in control of the ball in the opponent’s penalty area, he faced the goalkeeper and did not greedy, but a clever use of the heel gently knock, the ball passed to a better position of Valverde, the latter easily scored, the score became 2-0. this pass is very clever, after the game, he said that this is one of the most wonderful assists in his career.
Surprisingly though, in the 66th minute of the second half, Coach Alonso decided to replace Vinicius.Despite his great performance on the field, it ended the game early.When he was replaced, Vinicius’ face showed a slight loss, but he did not express any dissatisfaction, but silently accepted the coach’s arrangement.
This is the third consecutive game that Vinicius has been replaced early.In the previous matches against Riyadh Crescent and Pachuca, it was understandable that he was substituted due to the lack of goals.But this time, it was a bit surprising that he was substituted early after such an impressive performance.
In the past, Vinicius might have had a problem with such a decision, and would have even gone to the coach for a theory.But now facing the new manager Alonso, he obviously more respect for the coach’s decision, do not dare to have any complaints.
This also reflects Alonso’s prestige as the new head coach.Although coaching Real Madrid is less than a month, but he has already established authority in the locker room.Compared to his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti’s “good old boy” style of management, Alonso’s style is much tougher and more decisive.
Over the past few seasons, as Vinicius has become more and more impressive, some of his behavior on and off the field has begun to cause controversy.He was once criticized by Modric for his defensive inactivity, and the two even had an argument over it.The coach at the time, Anselmo, chose to “make peace” and try to calm down the conflict as much as possible.But Alonso is different, he treats all players the same, as long as he thinks it is time to change, he will not be merciful.
It is worth mentioning that not only Vinicius, another core player Bellingham was also replaced early in the three group games.As you can see from this, Alonso doesn’t favor anyone, he only makes decisions based on the needs of the game.
Of course, the substitution of Vinicius was not necessarily due to dissatisfaction with him.With the game largely out of reach, Alonso may have been preparing for the more important knockout rounds to come.After all, Mbappe has yet to return, and Juventus is a strong opponent in the Round of 16, so Real Madrid will likely need to rely on Vinicius for key goals.
Whatever the reason, Alonso’s decision to switch seems to have had a good effect.The atmosphere in the team is good, and there are no rumors of conflict between the players.Compared to the occasional friction in the locker room in the past few seasons, the situation is much healthier now.
Overall, this victory not only helped Real Madrid advance to the Round of 16, but also gave the fans a glimpse of the new atmosphere of the team.Vinicius’ outstanding performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the game, while Alonso’s decisive decision-making has also laid the foundation for the team’s future development.
Perhaps Real Madrid needs a tough, decisive manager right now.Under his leadership, the historic giants are on their way to new heights.
