Trent Alexander-Arnold provided an assist for Real Madrid’s in-form starlet Gonzalo Garcia as the Spanish giants overcame Juventus to reach the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
Garcia powerfully headed home a curled Alexander-Arnold cross, his first assist for Xabi Alonso‘s side, in the 54th minute at the Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to score the only goal of the match.
Much talk pre-match had centred around Garcia’s impressive showing at the tournament so far.
The 21-year-old, who has garnered comparisons to Real Madrid legend Raul, has now scored three goals and provided one assist in four games.
And the Spaniard’s match winning performance against the Italian side earned him further plaudits and is putting pressure on Los Blancos‘ other attacking stars.
Garcia replaced Kylian Mbappe in the starting lineup after the Frenchman was ruled out of two games with illness.
Gonzalo Garcia scored his third Club World Cup goal as Real Madrid beat Juventus 1-0
The 21-year-old Spanish starlet outshone Kylian Mbappe yet again to give Real Madrid the win
Trent Alexander-Arnold claimed his first assist for Real Madrid on his fourth consecutive start
On Wednesday, the roles were reversed as Mbappe came on in the 68th minute to huge roars from the Miami crowd.
His header against Juventus came after he scored in group games against Al-Hilal and Red Bull Salzburg, claiming an assist in Madrid’s victory over Pachuca, as they eased to the top of Group H.
Garcia’s red hot form has earned interest from the Premier League, with three clubs reportedly interested in securing his services this summer.
The Real Madrid academy star is said to have a release clause of just €50million (£43m).
More to follow.
