The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 witnessed high-octane football action across the United States on Wednesday, featuring a dramatic draw for Real Madrid, a commanding win by Juventus, a tactical triumph for Manchester City, and a narrow victory for Salzburg. From last-minute penalty drama in Miami to lightning delays in Cincinnati, the day had it all.
Real Madrid vs Al – Hilal
In a high-voltage Group H encounter at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal in new coach Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut. Federico Valverde’s stoppage-time penalty was dramatically saved by Yassine Bounou, denying the Spanish giants a win in front of 62,415 fans.
Madrid had taken the lead through 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia, who converted a Rodrygo assist in the 31st minute. But Al Hilal hit back before the break, with Ruben Neves equalising from the spot after Raul Asencio fouled in the box. Despite late pressure and a handball by Mohammed Al Qahtani on Fran Garcia in added time, Valverde’s effort was stopped, allowing Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal to secure a valuable point in the Italian’s first game in charge. Notably, Real were without star striker Kylian Mbappe, with new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen making their debuts in defence.
Juventus thrash Al Ain 5-0 to go top of group G
Juventus put on a clinical display in Philadelphia as they dismantled UAE’s Al Ain 5-0 to top Group G on goal difference. Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceição both scored twice, with Alberto Costa providing an assist early on to set the tone. Kolo Muani opened the scoring in the 11th minute, followed by a slick solo goal by Conceição just ten minutes later. Conceição added his second in the 58th minute, capping a dominant performance. The Italians had 10 shots in the first half alone, eight from inside the box, and left Al Ain’s Rui Patrício with little room to breathe. Juventus now turn their focus to Wydad in their next game, while Al Ain face the uphill task of taking on defending champions Manchester City.
Manchester City ease past Wydad Casablanca in confident opener
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City made a strong start to their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca at Lincoln Financial Field. Opting for squad rotation, Guardiola handed debuts to Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Vitor Reis, and Nico O’Reilly, and the young guns delivered. Phil Foden scored the tournament’s fastest goal after a rebound from a Savinho cross in the opening minutes. City remained relentless, and Jeremy Doku added a second before halftime, lifting them to three points and joint-top of Group G with Juventus. Wydad had their moments, most notably Zemraoui’s one-on-one chance that slipped away, but City’s dominance in possession and pressing proved too much.
Lightning delay and late winner as Salzburg beat Pachuca 2-1
In the least attended game of the day, but one of the most dramatic, Austria’s FC Salzburg edged Mexico’s Pachuca 2-1 in a lightning-delayed Group H clash at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium. Oscar Gloukh opened the scoring for Salzburg just before halftime. Following a more than hour-long delay due to lightning, Pachuca quickly equalised through Bryan Gonzalez, catching Salzburg cold right after the restart. But Karim Onisiwo’s strike in the 76th minute proved decisive, lifting Salzburg to the top of Group H ahead of their crucial clash against Al Hilal. Pachuca, meanwhile, sit at the bottom and now face a tough test against Real Madrid in their next match.