With the final round of the group games at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup already underway after last week’s thrilling second round of games, we have reviewed the big headlines from last week’s games in this review.
The likes of Real Madrid and Inter secured wins in dramatic fashion without a shortage of controversy and nerves, while the likes of Man City, Bayern Munich, Flamengo and Juventus all secured qualifications to the next round.
⚪Xabi‑ball Takes Off: Madrid’s 3–1 Win Reinforces Alonso’s Philosophy⚽
Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid era erupted into life with a 3–1 victory over Pachuca in Charlotte. Despite playing with a man down from the 7th minute due to a red card, Madrid showcased resilience and tactical control.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring, Arda Güler added another before halftime, and Fede Valverde sealed the deal—each goal illuminating Alonso's blend of youth integration and positional fluidity.
Thibaut Courtois also made a competition-high 10 saves, proving Madrid’s backline remains traditionally robust under this new vision.
😒 City Storm In: Six Goals, Five Scorers⚡
In Atlanta, Manchester City demolished Al Ain 6–0, continuing their ruthless brand of football.
Ilkay Gündogan struck twice, Haaland converted a penalty, and Rayan Cherki, Echeverri, and Oscar Bobb rounded out the tally.
Pep Guardiola rotated his squad—introducing several new starters—affirming City’s unmatched depth heading into tougher rounds.
🔵Inter Wins at the Death: Carboni’s Dramatic Seattle Finisher⏱️
Inter Milan overcame Urawa Red Diamonds 2–1 in a rollercoaster Group E clash in Seattle.
Urawa took an early lead, but Lautaro Martinez equalised in the 78th minute. Then, in stoppage time, teenage substitute Valentin Carboni delivered the winner—an emotional example of Inter’s late-game resolve.
With 26 shots compared to Urawa’s five, Inter showed their attacking dominance, even when under pressure.
🌍African Clubs on the Cusp: Continental Hope in Danger⚠️
The four African representatives in this historic competition are in precarious positions. Here's how each is faring:
🔴Al Ahly (Egypt): Joined Wydad on Flight Home
Al Ahly, perhaps the side we thought could go furthest of all four of Africa’s clubs, are the second side after Wydad to book their flight home from the competition.
The red flag started waving when they kicked off their tournament with a gritty 0–0 draw against Inter Miami.
After a loss and a draw in subsequent fixtures against Palmeiras and Porto, respectively, the Egyptian club’s journey ended at the group stages.
🟡Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Mamelodi Sundowns earned Africa’s first win in this CWC format, beating Ulsan Hyundai 1–0 courtesy of an Iqraam Rayners strike.
Dominating possession (over 59%) but lacking a clinical edge, Sundowns played out an exhilarating game against Borussia Dortmund in their second group game, where they fell short by just a goal in a 3-4 defeat.
Now in 3rd place on 3 points, the South African side will need a miracle in their game against group leaders Fluminense and a favour from Uslan in their final group game against Dortmund to stand a chance of qualifying.
🔴Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
Morocco’s hope, Wydad Casablanca, suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Juventus in their second group game, making it two defeats from two games, which means they are the first African side to be knocked out.
In their final group game against Al Ain, who are also without a single point so far, Wydad will be playing for pride and perhaps the $2m on offer for winning.
🟡Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)
Esperance’s story is very similar to that of Mamelodi Sundowns, having managed 3 points after two games and only hope of qualification being by beating a very tough side in Chelsea in their final group game.
⚽The Big Picture: Europe Flexes Power, South Americans Make Statement, & Africa Scrambles
Europe’s giants—Bayern, City, PSG, Madrid, and Inter—are asserting dominance. Their performances span stylistic elegance (Alonso’s Madrid), attacking breadth (City’s depth), and clutch mentality (Inter’s grit).
The African quartet, however, show mixed fortunes: Sundowns and Esperance still have room to progress, albeit a slim one; while Al Ahly and Wydad are already victims of the huge gap in footballing fortunes and the divide of investments.
Then there are the South Americans who are set to make it ahead of some big household names like Atletico Madrid, FC Porto and quite possibly, Benfica if Boca Juniors can put 7+ goals in Auckland City’s net and have Bayern do them a solid.
⁉️What Comes Next:
🔥Madrid vs Salzburg (June 27): Can Alonso’s structure hold up?
🔥City vs Juventus (June 26): Pep’s Juve Hoodoo Breaks?
🔥Inter vs River Plate (June 26): Pedigree over Form?
🔥Esperance vs Chelsea (June 25): Maresca’s Bottling or Easy Night?
🔥Benfica vs Bayern Munich (June 24): European Classic?
🔚Final Take:
For fans, scouts, and investors, this tournament is more than a contest—it’s a stage of extremes. Elite squads expand legends; underdogs fight for survival.
And for those watching closely, every goal, from grit to glory, writes a story of risk, resilience, and revelation.
You can check out the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup games on MSport.
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