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Mbappé returns, García punches Real Madrid's ticket to FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals


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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – Kylian Mbappé made his long-awaited return for Real Madrid, but the budding 21-year-old, who held his open position in the lineup, fueled their trip to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals.

Gonzalo García scored a header in the 54th minute, and Real Madrid beat Juventus 1-0 during their Club World Cup round-of-16 match in front of 62,149 fans at Hard Rock Stadium on July 1.

García has made the most of his moment replacing Mbappé in the lineup. He scored in three of Real Madrid’s four matches at the Club World Cup. The only match he didn’t score in, he provided an assist in their 3-1 win vs. Pachuca.

“It's true that I've dreamed a lot about this moment, but in the end, you never know how it's going to be,” García said after the match. “What I do know is that this [Club] World Cup is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I plan to give 200% of myself to make the most of these opportunities.”

Real Madrid advances to face the winner between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey later Tuesday night. Their quarterfinal match will be July 5 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

García may still see some valuable playing time as Mbappé, the 2018 French World Cup champion, continues to work his way back into the fold after being briefly hospitalized with a stomach flu on June 19.

At least, García knows he has support from his new coach Xabi Alonso.

“I wasn't going to tell you that I expected him to score three goals in four games – I'm not going to go overboard,” Alonso said with a smile to DAZN after his fourth match as Real Madrid coach. “But I did know he was going to wear down the center backs, that he was going to work hard, put pressure on, and be very persistent, and that helps the whole team a lot.

“I have confidence in him, and he's earning that confidence.”

Still, all eyes were on Mbappé. He entered as a substitute to replace García in the 68th minute to a loud ovation from fans.

“M-ba-ppé! M-ba-ppé!” the Real Madrid fans cheered from the stands.

Mbappé clapped his hands in response to them, before running to the bench and taking off his warmup shirt in the second half.

Federico Valverde kicked a ball toward Mbappé to stop play so he could enter. Mbappe caught it, sent it into the stands, and ran onto the pitch.

Mbappé received several passes from Vinicius Junior to get acclimated back into live play. He made several hard runs, and was engaged defensively as well when Real Madrid didn’t have possession.

“Quarterfinals here we come. So happy to be back with the squad after that difficult time,” Mbappé said on Instagram after the match. “Thank you to all the fans in Miami for the support, I felt so loved here. See you in NYC. ¡HalaMadrid!”

The result ends Juventus’ ride in the tournament, despite goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio keeping them afloat with 10 saves during the match.

Following Mbappé’s return, Real Madrid can focus on improving at full strength under Alonso with a chance to hoist a major title this summer.

“We're happy to keep moving forward, keep winning at this club, and we're going to keep fighting for the title,” Valverde said.

Check out these highlights from the Real Madrid vs. Juventus match by Paste BN Sports:

Real Madrid 1, Juventus 0: Mbappé enters match as substitute

With Real Madrid holding a 1-0 lead against Juventus, Mbappé entered in the 68th minute to make his Club World Cup debut to a loud ovation from fans.

“M-ba-ppé! M-ba-ppé!” the Real Madrid fans cheered before he entered.

Real Madrid 1, Juventus 0: Gonzalo García scores header goal

Gonzalo García, the 21-year-old starting in place of Mbappe, scores a header to push Real Madrid ahead 1-0 in the 54th minute. It’s the third goal in four matches for García during the Club World Cup.

Real Madrid 0, Juventus 0: Valverde just past the right post to open half

The second half is underway, and Real Madrid has already taken a shot toward the net. Valverde’s shot, however, trickled just outside the left post. Meanwhile, Mbappé is warming up with the bench players on the sideline.

Real Madrid 0, Juventus 0: Valverde fires shot just before halftime

Real Madrid's Federico Valverde fired a right boot from outside the box just before halftime, and Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio needed to fully stretch for the save.

Real Madrid 0, Juventus 0: Jude Bellingham misses shot in front net

Jude Bellingham nearly scored in the 30th minute, but his shot from point-blank range was saved by Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.

Real Madrid 0, Juventus 0: Another Juventus attempt is no good

Francisco Conceição's header attempt was saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid 0, Juventus 0: Another early shot blocked

Juventus' Kenan Yildiz fired a right boot in the 11th minute that was blocked

Real Madrid 0, Juventus 0: Randal Kolo Muani misses early opportunity

Juventus’ Randal Kolo Muani nearly scored in the opening minutes.

When will Mbappé play in Real Madrid vs. Juventus match?

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Mbappé could appear in the second half against Juventus.

“He’s good enough to come on in the second half or to play a few minutes, depending on the circumstance of the game,” Alonso told DAZN before the match. “We spoke and have decided together.”

What time is the Real Madrid vs. Juventus match?

The match will begin at 3 p.m. ET (9 p.m. in Spain, France and Italy)

Where to watch the Real Madrid vs. Juventus match?

The only way to watch the match is on DAZN.

Watch all FIFA Club World Cup games for free on DAZN

Is Mbappé playing today? Real Madrid starting lineup

Mbappé is a substitute on Real Madrid's roster for the match. Here's the starting lineup.

Juventus starting lineup vs. Real Madrid

Real Madrid vs. Juventus players to watch

Along with Mbappé, Real Madrid features Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, English star Jude Bellingham and Croatian Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modrić. U.S. Men’s National Team standouts Weston McKinnie and Tim Weah star for Juventus.

Real Madrid vs. Juventus betting odds

Here are the betting odds for the Real Madrid-Juventus match in regular time, according to BETMGM.

  • Real Madrid: -125
  • Draw: +270
  • Juventus: +333
  • Over/under: 2.5 goals

Real Madrid vs. Juventus prediction

  • Real Madrid 2, Juventus 0: It’ll be interesting to see how both clubs perform in the South Florida heat – both will play in temperatures of at least 92°F (33°C), according to the National Weather Service. Expect Real Madrid to get its work done early with Vini Jr. and Jude Bellingham leading the way as Mbappe works his way back into form during a shortened appearance. –Safid Deen

How did Real Madrid get to Club World Cup round of 16?

Real Madrid advanced to the knockout stage as Group H winner with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal on June 18, a 3-1 win against Mexican club Pachuca on June 22, and a 3-0 win against Austrian side FC Red Bull Salzburg on June 26.

How did Juventus get to Club World Cup round of 16?

Juventus was runner up in Group G after beating Al Ain 5-0 on June 18, Wydad AC 4-1 on June 22, but losing 5-2 to Manchester City on June 26.

Who will Real Madrid/Juventus play in Club World Cup quarterfinals?

The winner of today’s match will face the winner of Borussia Dortmund-Monterrey match, which begins at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Club World Cup schedule

July 4: Quarterfinals

  • Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal, 3 p.m. ET (Camping World Stadium, Orlando)
  • Palmeiras vs. Chelsea, 9 p.m. ET (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia)

July 5: Quarterfinals

  • Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich, 12 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
  • Real Madrid/Juventus vs. Dortmund/Monterrey, 4 p.m. ET (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)

July 8 and 9: Club World Cup semifinals (MetLife Stadium)

July 13: Club World Cup final (MetLife Stadium)