Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, has expressed great satisfaction and pride in the performances of midfielder Federico Valverde and young striker Gonzalo Garcia, following Los Blancos' hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held in Miami, USA.
The match, which attracted a packed international crowd and millions of viewers worldwide, saw Real Madrid edge past the Italian giants thanks to a decisive second-half goal from 21-year-old Garcia. The win secured Madrid’s place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Alonso shared his excitement and satisfaction over the team's collective effort and their continued growth in the competition.
“The victory tastes very good,” Alonso said to Spanish outlet Diario AS. “In this new format, every game is a final, and you have no second chances. We are now in the quarter-finals, and we continue to grow together as a unit. That’s something that counts for a lot and makes me very proud of the boys.”
Gonzalo Garcia, who scored the match-winning goal, has now netted three times in four games throughout the tournament, underlining his emerging status as one of Madrid’s brightest young talents. Alonso was quick to commend the forward’s impressive form and his ability to seize opportunities despite the fierce competition for spots in the starting XI.
“I’m happy for him, for the team. Gonzalo is giving a very good performance and truly taking advantage of the minutes he gets,” Alonso remarked. “He’s young, hungry, and shows every day that he wants to contribute. We’ll see how Kylian Mbappe feels in the coming days. We have three days to assess him and decide whether he can return to the lineup for the next match.”
Meanwhile, Alonso reserved special praise for Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde, who delivered a tireless display in midfield and was deservedly named Player of the Match. Valverde’s leadership on the pitch and his relentless energy once again highlighted his importance to the team.
“Fede makes my life much easier as a coach,” Alonso said with a smile. “He’s a top player; he does everything well and always gives 100 percent with pride and passion. He inspires his teammates, sets the tempo, and drags everyone forward. He’s the kind of player every manager dreams of having.”
Real Madrid’s next challenge will be against Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, scheduled for July 5 at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York. The match is expected to draw massive attention, with fans eager to see whether Madrid can maintain their momentum and push further towards lifting another Club World Cup trophy.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how Alonso manages his star-studded squad, particularly regarding the return of Mbappe and the ongoing rise of young stars like Garcia. Madrid supporters around the globe will undoubtedly be watching closely, hopeful for another memorable chapter in the club’s illustrious history.