The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continued with intense group-stage matches across the U.S., with Juventus registering commanding win, Real Madrid dropping points late, and Palmeiras finally breaking a goal drought in Group A. Here’s how the day unfolded:
Real Madrid 1-1 Al Hilal – Garcia Shines, Bounou Saves Point
Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Hilal in Miami in a match marked by high temperatures and late drama. Gonzalo García gave Madrid the lead after a slick team move, finishing with composure after being set up by Rodrygo.
The Saudi side responded four minutes before halftime as Rúben Neves equalized from the penalty spot. Madrid had the chance to win it late when VAR awarded them a penalty for a foul on Fran Garcia, but Federico Valverde’s shot was saved by Yassine Bounou in stoppage time.
Gonzalo García, making his first senior start for Madrid, was voted player of the match and told reporters:
“It’s special, not only to score the first goal under Xabi Alonso. It was a special game for me because it’s my first start in this jersey, which means the world to me.”
Madrid will next take on Pachuca, while Al Hilal face Salzburg in Group H.
RB Salzburg 2-1 Pachuca – Onisiwo Wins It After Weather Delay
RB Salzburg edged Pachuca 2-1 in Cincinnati, with substitute Karim Onisiwo scoring the winner late in the second half. The match was interrupted by a lengthy 90-minute weather delay early in the second half due to storms.
Oscar Gloukh had opened the scoring for Salzburg in the 42nd minute with a long-range strike, before Pachuca equalized just after the delay through a curling free kick from Bryan González. Onisiwo restored the lead with a towering header in the 76th minute.
Salzburg’s teenage goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky impressed on his senior debut, producing several key saves to help secure three points.
Juventus 5-0 Al Ain – Kolo Muani and Conceição Lead Rout
Juventus dominated Al Ain in Atlanta with a 5-0 win, powered by braces from Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceição. The Italian side raced to a 4-0 lead by halftime, with Kenan Yildiz also on the scoresheet.
The fifth came in the 58th minute as Conceição added his second of the night. Juventus’ clinical finishing and attacking depth proved too much for the UAE club, who now prepare to face Manchester City in their next Group G match.
Palmeiras 2-0 Al Ahly – Weather Delay and Own Goal Define Group A Clash
In New Jersey, Palmeiras picked up their first win of the tournament with a 2-0 result over Al Ahly in a match that was halted for 50 minutes due to severe weather warnings. The breakthrough came in the 49th minute when Wessam Abou Ali accidentally headed into his own net while defending a set piece.
Palmeiras struck again 10 minutes later on a rapid counterattack, finished off by substitute Jose Manuel Lopez. The match had earlier featured promising moments from teenage talent Estevao, while referee Anthony Taylor initially issued a red card to Raphael Vega for a hard tackle but downgraded it to yellow after a VAR check.
With the win, Palmeiras take a step forward in Group A, while Al Ahly are left needing results in their final group-stage outing.