Trent Alexander-Arnold has recorded his first assist as a Real Madrid player, providing a decisive cross that helped Xabi Alonso’s side secure a victory over Juventus and advance to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup.

Making his fourth consecutive start in the tournament at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Alexander-Arnold endured a relatively quiet first half.

However, he sprung to life nine minutes into the second half, delivering a perfectly weighted cross that Gonzalo Garcia expertly headed past the Juventus goalkeeper to give Madrid the lead.

Alonso’s strategic 5-3-2 formation faced challenges in the first half, with the team appearing defensively vulnerable and fortunate not to concede early.

Juventus had several opportunities, including a spurned chance by Randal Kolo Muani and a deflected long-range drive from Kenan Yildiz.

Real Madrid’s best chances in the opening period fell to Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, both denied by impressive saves from Michele di Gregorio.

Di Gregorio continued his stellar performance into the second half, thwarting Bellingham and Dean Huijsen before Garcia’s powerful header finally broke the deadlock.

Following the goal, Madrid’s goalscorer was substituted by Kylian Mbappe, who made his tournament debut after recovering from gastroenteritis.

Real Madrid, now on a three-game winning streak under their new coach, will face the winner of the last-16 tie between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey in the quarter-finals this weekend.

Madrid fans will be optimistic that Alexander-Arnold’s assist is just the beginning of many contributions.

During his time at Liverpool, the full-back was renowned for his creativity, registering 92 assists in 354 appearances across all competitions – a testament to his attacking prowess as a Premier League defender.

His whipped delivery for Garcia’s winner was a prime example of his renowned crossing ability, allowing the 21-year-old striker to effectively guide the ball beyond Di Gregorio for his third goal of the Club World Cup.

Garcia, along with Turkey international Arda Guler, is emerging as a key figure in Alonso’s new-look Real Madrid squad. Sources

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