Vinícius Júnior’s Stunning Backheel vs Salzburg Sparks Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Charge | Club World Cup 2025,

🏆 Vinícius Júnior’s Magical Backheel Lights Up Club World Cup: Real Madrid March into Last 16

📍Philadelphia, USA — June 26, 2025
Real Madrid continued their dominant run in the Club World Cup with a stunning 3-0 victory over Austrian side RB Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field. The match was lit up by a moment of Brazilian brilliance from Vinícius Júnior, who delivered what many are calling the assist of the tournament.

⚽ A Backheel for the Ages
The moment of magic came just before halftime. Vinícius, dancing through defenders with his signature flair, slipped a no-look backheel pass into the path of Federico Valverde, who blasted the ball past the Salzburg keeper.
“I think it’s one of the best assists of my career,” said Vinícius after the match, glowing with confidence. “It was instinctive, but it felt right. I’m happy that it helped the team."

The pass drew immediate comparisons with Guti’s legendary backheel against Deportivo La Coruña — a moment etched in Real Madrid folklore.
“Vini’s was brilliant,” said coach Xabi Alonso, “but I was on the pitch for Guti’s... that was something else. Still, this one was very, very close.”

🥇 MVP Performance Beyond the Stats
Vinícius didn’t just dazzle on the ball — he worked tirelessly off it too. Alonso highlighted his defensive commitment and tactical discipline, noting:
“We played a compact game. Vini’s defensive work allowed us to control transitions and attack with freedom.”

Alonso's admiration for Vinícius’ all-around play shows the evolution of the Brazilian forward into a complete modern attacker — dynamic, intelligent, and hard-working.

🧠 Alonso’s Tactical Shift: Back 3 Pays Off
Real Madrid adopted a three-at-the-back formation, a tactical tweak reminiscent of Alonso’s time at Bayer Leverkusen.
“It’s a system I’ve always had in mind,” Alonso explained. “The players understood it quickly. It gave us stability and maturity in the first half — crucial against a pressing side like Salzburg.”

The formation allowed fullbacks to push high while Vinícius and Valverde exploited central channels, resulting in fluid, multi-layered attacks.

🌟 Gonzalo García — The New No.9?
With Kylian Mbappé sidelined due to illness, 21-year-old Gonzalo García grabbed his chance. His 84th-minute goal — a poacher’s finish — was his second in three matches.
“Gonzalo reminds me of Raúl,” Alonso said. “He’s always in the right place and never stops running. That mentality is what we need in moments like this.”

García’s form gives Madrid a welcome headache up front, especially as they head into a crucial Round of 16 clash with Juventus next week.

🚀 Madrid’s Momentum Grows
Madrid topped Group H with ease, building momentum at the right time. Two weeks under Alonso’s system are already bearing fruit. The squad looks united, focused, and flexible — ingredients of champions.

As Alonso put it:
“There’s a long way to go, but we feel good. That’s what matters.”


📅 Next Match:
🆚 Juventus – Round of 16
📍Venue: TBA
🕒 Date: Tuesday, July 2, 2025