Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid edged Juventus 1-0 on Tuesday to e book a Club World Cup quarterfinal conflict with Borussia Dortmund, who squeezed previous Monterrey in a nail-biting round-of-16 encounter.
Serhou Guirassy struck twice for the German aspect as they battled to a 2-1 victory over Sergio Ramos’ Monterrey in Atlanta, spoiling the veteran defender’s hopes of a reunion with former membership Madrid.
Earlier in Miami, teenage sensation Gonzalo Garcia nodded in his third objective of the match to sink Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium, extending Madrid’s unbeaten run below new coach Xabi Alonso.
Madrid had been additional boosted by the return of Kylian Mbappe, who got here off the bench after recovering from sickness.
“We had a lot of chances in the second half, but their goalkeeper was really good,” stated Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The first half was finely balanced, with Igor Tudor’s Juventus beginning brightly earlier than Madrid gained management towards halftime.
Los Blancos continued to press and located the breakthrough within the 54th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold crossed for Garcia to go residence.
Alonso launched Mbappe to the delight of the 62,149 followers, however the striker was stored quiet as Juventus pushed for an equalizer.
The Madrid coach praised his staff’s efficiency, particularly that of Garcia, whom he has beforehand in comparison with membership legend Raul and prompt that Mbappe is nearing full health.
“We will keep watching him… I think he will be much better for the quarters,” Alonso stated.
He added that he was happy with the staff’s grit and maturity to grind out the outcome.
“We had to be patient, we had to mature into the game,” Alonso stated. “With the players and myself, you know you have to grit your teeth and do what you have to do. In the end, we had to hold on a bit, and I’m happy about that too.”
Juventus coach Tudor stated fatigue performed a serious function within the final result.
“In the end there were 10 of them asking to be substituted. Obviously you can’t do that, but there was incredible tiredness,” he stated. “There’s the tension of the game which burns energy, but then there’s the heat and humidity,” he added, noting they had been on the finish of a protracted season.
Dortmund deny Ramos
In Atlanta, Guirassy’s brace lifted Dortmund previous Monterrey in a hard-fought conflict, establishing a rematch with Madrid, the aspect that beat them within the 2024 Champions League remaining.
“Real has a great team, they have many good individual players,” Dortmund coach Niko Kovac stated. “If we put everything on the pitch, with the same performance we saw today, I think we will have a good chance.”
Guirassy netted each objectives within the first half, however German Berterame pulled one again for the Mexican aspect, who practically equalized when a late Ramos header spun simply large.
“I think I could have scored at least three goals, but I am happy to have helped the team win,” Guirassy instructed broadcaster DAZN.
After enduring a number of group-stage matches in sweltering situations, Dortmund welcomed the climate-controlled Mercedes-Benz Stadium and performed at a quicker tempo.
Karim Adeyemi assisted each of Guirassy’s objectives, bringing the Guinea worldwide’s tally to 37 throughout all competitions this season.
However, Jobe Bellingham obtained a reserving that can see him suspended for the conflict towards his brother Jude’s Madrid aspect.
Monterrey surged within the second half and Berterame’s header halved the deficit, however goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a string of saves to protect Dortmund’s lead.
Ramos, despatched ahead within the remaining minutes, practically delivered one other signature second – very like his iconic equalizer within the 2014 Champions League remaining – however noticed his stoppage-time header drift agonizingly large.
“The crowd, our fans, and the people who understand football saw that the team gave everything,” Ramos instructed DAZN, happy with his aspect’s battle.
Source: www.dailysabah.com