Trent Alexander-Arnold Shines with First Assist in Real Victory Over Juventus

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA - This past week, all eyes were on Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium as Real Madrid triumphed over Juventus in a tightly contested match at the FIFA Club World Cup. Trent Alexander-Arnold, making a name for himself at his new club, delivered the decisive assist for Gonzalo Garcia’s winning goal in a 1-0 victory, marking a significant milestone in his early career at Real Madrid.

The clash on July 2 marked Alexander-Arnold’s fourth consecutive start for the Spanish giants. Initially, the match proved challenging for Madrid, with Juventus exhibiting sharper attacking prowess. Randal Kolo Muani squandered a crucial opportunity for Juventus, while Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin showcased his skills with several important saves. Notably, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde both had clear-cut chances thwarted by Juventus’ Michele Di Gregorio.

Alexander-Arnold’s Impressive Start

It was nine minutes into the second half when Alexander-Arnold delivered a wonderfully crafted cross that Garcia managed to convert, marking the striker’s third goal of the tournament. This performance not only contributed to Real Madrid’s ongoing success but also demonstrated Alexander-Arnold’s ability to adapt quickly and effectively to his new surroundings. His assist echoed his time at Liverpool, where he recorded a stunning 92 assists over 354 appearances—more than any defender in Premier League history.

Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid for a reported fee of €10 million prior to his contract with Liverpool expiring on June 30, 2025. The decision to move to Madrid was significant for the player, and he expressed gratitude towards head coach Xabi Alonso for making him feel welcome. Referring to his new teammates, Alexander-Arnold noted, „the environment is warm and welcoming,“ contrasting with his initial expectations of a more intimidating atmosphere at the famed club. He mentioned how Alonso’s one-on-one interaction has helped him overcome some initial challenges, particularly the language barrier as he works hard to learn Spanish.

Context of the Transfer

Real Madrid’s decision to sign the talented right-back comes amid a broader strategy to bolster their squad ahead of the global tournament. Liverpool chairman Tom Werner commented on Alexander-Arnold’s departure, expressing respect for his choice to advance his career, recalling fond memories from the player’s academy days.

As the tournament continues, excitement swirls around Real Madrid’s next encounter. They aspire to build on their success and aim for a show-stopping victory in the Club World Cup, facing either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in the upcoming quarter-finals. Alexander-Arnold’s contribution thus far hints at a promising future for both him and the club, as the team gears up to chase more silverware, embodying the motto that “there’s something to be said for it.”