Vinicius Jr delivered a moment of magic with a stunning assist as Real Madrid secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg in Philadelphia, booking their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Club World Cup. The Spanish giants will now face Juventus on Tuesday at Hard Rock Stadium, with a potential quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund or Sergio Ramos’ Monterrey awaiting the winners.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, whose future at the club has been under recent speculation, was instrumental in Madrid’s win—scoring the opening goal before producing a brilliant piece of skill to set up Federico Valverde for the second. His performance evoked memories of Guti’s legendary ‘Heel of God’ assist from 2010, further cementing his status as one of the world’s most electrifying wingers.
Match Recap: Vinicius Jr Steals the Show
After a slow start to the tournament—where he was kept quiet in Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Al Hilal and an unconvincing display against Pachuca—Vinicius Jr exploded into life against Salzburg.
- 40’ – GOAL (1-0): A gorgeous through ball from Jude Bellingham split the Salzburg defense, allowing Vinicius to surge past Joane Gadou before slotting a clinical left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
- 45+2’ – GOAL (2-0): In a moment of pure improvisation, Vinicius received the ball on the left, stopped it dead with the sole of his boot, and let it roll past him for Valverde, who calmly placed his shot into the far corner.
- 78’ – GOAL (3-0): Youngster Gonzalo García (21) capped off the win with a delicate lob over the goalkeeper after a swift counterattack.
Post-match, Vinicius Jr reflected on his assist, saying:
“It was a very nice assist, reminiscent of Guti. It’s one of my best in this shirt.”
Guti’s ‘Heel of God’ – How Does Vinicius’ Assist Compare?
Vinicius’ assist immediately drew comparisons to Guti’s iconic backheel pass for Karim Benzema in 2010—a moment still regarded as one of the greatest assists in football history.
| Vinicius Jr (2025) | Guti (2010) |
|---|---|
| Stopped the ball with his sole | Executed a no-look backheel |
| Smart play to evade a defender | Audacious creativity in open play |
| Practical but effective | Borderline arrogant genius |
While Vinicius’ assist was clever and effective, Guti’s remains unmatched in sheer audacity. As The Athletic’s Jack Lang put it:
“What Vinicius did was fun. What Guti did was transcendental—the coolest thing ever seen on a football pitch.”
Madrid’s Dominance & Juventus Preview
With this win, Carlo Ancelotti’s side continue their strong form in the U.S., where they’ve drawn massive crowds in Miami, Charlotte, and Philadelphia—each game attracting over 60,000 fans. Their global appeal remains unmatched, with ticket prices staying well above $100 even in secondary markets.
Next up: Juventus
- Key Battle: Vinicius Jr vs. Federico Gatti (Juventus’ physical defender)
- Xabi Alonso’s Tactics: The new Madrid boss has integrated Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen seamlessly.
- Jude Bellingham’s Influence: The Englishman’s midfield mastery will be crucial against Juve’s experienced core.
Final Thoughts
Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Salzburg was a statement performance, with Vinicius Jr proving why he remains one of the club’s most vital players. His goal and assist showcased his world-class ability, while young talents like Gonzalo García signaled a bright future.
Now, the focus shifts to Juventus—a clash that could define Madrid’s path to Club World Cup glory. Can Vinicius replicate his magic? Will Bellingham dominate midfield again?
One thing is certain: Real Madrid in America means must-watch football.
