Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold recorded his first assist as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday, setting up Gonzalo Garcia in a 1-0 win over Juventus at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold received the ball on the right wing and produced his trademark delivery into the penalty area, and Garcia powered his header past Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Madrid agreed to pay Liverpool $13.75 million so that Alexander-Arnold could be released from his contract prematurely, and the decision paid off.
The 26-year-old faced criticism for his performances in Madrid's three group games, but turned up when it mattered in the first knockout round. Madrid will now face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in the quarter-final, with a blockbuster clash against Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich looming in the semi-finals, should they advance.
Alexander-Arnold's assist excited Madrid fans, but it was deja vu from the past for Liverpool supporters. "This is exactly what Trent Alexander-Arnold was signed for," one excited fan wrote on X.
"What an assist, the first of many," another added. "Trent Alexander-Arnold might be cooking at Real Madrid more than we thought btw," one fan suggested.
It was a relatively tame Round of 16 clash between Madrid and Juventus, given some of the other ties in this knockout round, but Alexander-Arnold also celebrated a clean sheet. PSG steamrolled Inter Miami 4-0 to advance to the next round, and Chelsea smashed Benfica 4-1.
Alexander-Arnold now has the world at his feet as a Madrista
Alexander-Arnold now has the world at his feet as a Madrista (Image: 2025 FIFA)
Bayern was tested by Flamengo but celebrated a 4-2 victory thanks to the heroics of striker Harry Kane. The first major upset occurred between Inter Milan and Fluminense. The Italian giants, who reached the Champions League final on June 1, lost 2-0 to the Brazilian club.
One of the biggest shocks fell Monday night, as Manchester City lost 4-3 to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The upsets mean that one of Chelsea, Palmeiras, Al-Hilal, and Fluminense will reach the final of the Club World Cup.
Madrid's side of the bracket is much tougher, but Alexander-Arnold's first goal involvement will offer a significant confidence boost. After struggling in his opening two games, Alexander-Arnold starred in a 3-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg and continued the momentum on Tuesday.
Alexander-Arnold has adapted to a new role under Xabi Alonso
Alexander-Arnold has adapted to a new role under Xabi Alonso (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold has been used as a wing-back by head coach Xabi Alonso, and told Mail Sport before Tuesday's win: "I enjoyed it. Adapting to a new role in a new team is always going to be a challenge, but I enjoy challenges. It gets the best out of me personally.
"It worked clearly and that’s a good start. There’s still work to do but it’s good signs and our best game so far. I’m enjoying being a part of this team and I love playing football. No matter where I play, I love playing the game."
Alexander-Arnold also reflected on his relationship with Alonso and admitted that he's settled after a major career move. "The manager speaks to me a lot individually to make sure I understand everything because all the meetings are in Spanish," Alexander-Arnold added. "The language is the most difficult thing and it’s going to take a bit of time to adapt.
"The settling in period is done and it’s about kicking on and being the best player I can be and helping the team win as many games as possible, starting with this competition. It’s knockout football. The history of this club shows that we win trophies. It’s what we do. It’s part of the DNA of the club. That’s our aim and ambition and that's what we want to do."