Club World Cup: Alonso’s tactical shift pays off as Real Madrid cruise past Salzburg
Real Madrid capped their FIFA Club World Cup group stage with a commanding 3-0 win over RB Salzburg, sealing top spot in Group H and a place in the last 16.
In a tactical departure, manager Xabi Alonso deployed a five-man defense for the first time, liberating wing-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran García to push forward.
The system, reminiscent of Vicente del Bosque’s 2000 Champions League-winning side, contrasted with the traditional 4-3-3 used by predecessors Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane.
Vinicius Jr. broke the deadlock with a clinical finish before assisting Federico Valverde’s first-half strike with a clever backheel. Academy product Gonzalo García sealed the win with a delicate chip.
“We’re adapting step-by-step,” Vinicius told DAZN. “The first half showed progress.”
The victory at Lincoln Financial Field signals an evolving Madrid under Alonso, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair.
