Real Madrid secured a place in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 knockout stage with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Salzburg in their final Group H match on Thursday, setting up a clash with Juventus as group winners.

Entering the match level on four points, Real Madrid led the group only on goal difference. Both teams needed a win to avoid facing Manchester City in the Round of 16.

Under drizzling rain at Lincoln Financial Field, Xabi Alonso's side dominated early and created sustained pressure. The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Vinicius Jr. fired a left-footed strike from outside the box after a swift counterattack.

Just before halftime, Vinicius turned provider, flicking a backheel pass to Federico Valverde, who calmly slotted home from close range.

Gonzalo Garcia sealed the win in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Salzburg's Joane Gadou to fire home a right-footed finish.

In the other Group H fixture, goals from Salem Aldawsari and Leonardo gave Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal a vital 2-0 win over Pachuca. The result sends Al Hilal through as group runner-up, making them the only Asian club to reach the knockout stage. They will meet Manchester City on Monday.

The Round of 16 kicks off Saturday with an all-Brazilian encounter between Palmeiras and Botafogo in Philadelphia, while Benfica takes on Chelsea in Charlotte.