An in-form Real Madrid faced Juventus in the round of 16, with the Italian side coming off a 2–5 defeat to Manchester City in their final league fixture. However, fully aware of the threat Juventus still posed, Xabi Alonso named his strongest possible XI, opting for the same lineup that had started against RB Salzburg just a few days earlier.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia operated as wing-backs, while Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler started on the left and right sides of midfield, respectively.
Centrally positioned was the vice-captain and heartbeat of the team, Fede Valverde. For a player whose tournament began with a penalty miss in the opening match, the Uruguayan had shown great character, responding with two goals in the following three fixtures.
But the knockout stages are where big players rise to the occasion, and Valverde did just that. He took the game by the scruff of the neck and, like a conductor at the opera, orchestrated the midfield with complete control.
The Juventus midfield simply could not cope with the 26-year-old, who completed 93% of his passes (62 out of 67) and recorded 81 touches during his time on the pitch.
Moreover, Sofascore notes that Fede recorded 5 marvelous key passes, created a solitary big chance, and won 2/3 of his ground duels. He had 4 attempts at goal but was unlucky to have his name on the scoresheet for the third game running.
For his outstanding performance, the Real Madrid captain was deservedly named man of the match. After the game, even Xabi Alonso acknowledged that life is much easier with a player of Valverde’s quality in his team.
It was an all-around display from Los Blancos, who could have easily scored more goals as they had an expected goals ratio (xG) of 1.69 as compared to Juventus’ 0.68.
In their pursuit to lift the Club World Cup title, the Vikings shall now come up against a familiar foe in Borussia Dortmund, whom not only Xabi Alonso but the squad also knows how to beat.
