Unsurprisingly, Madrid dominated early proceedings as Vinicius Junior was denied by 18-year-old Christian Zawieschitzky’s outstretched leg, after being played through by Jude Bellingham.
The same duo then combined for the opener five minutes before HT, as Bellingham picked out Vinicius’ run with a sublime through ball, and the Brazilian cut inside onto his weaker left foot before unleashing into the bottom corner.
Vinicius turned provider for a second for Los Blancos in added time at the end of the first half, as he cleverly backheeled for Federico Valverde to slot home his second of the tournament. Salzburg rarely threatened, with Petar Ratkov recording their only shot on target at the end of the half, but it was a comfortable save for Thibaut Courtois.
Having conceded at least once in their previous six CWC matches, Madrid were living dangerously early in the second half, as Courtois produced a smart stop to deny substitute Adam Daghim at his near post.
Maurits Kjaergaard also came off the bench for Salzburg at HT, and in a promising position lacked composure as he lashed over the bar. Samson Baidoo’s drive was then cleared off the line by Bellingham, as the Austrians threatened to cut the deficit.
They could not find a goal though, and instead it was Madrid who grabbed a late third through Gonzalo Garcia. The youngster produced a finish beyond his years as he chipped beyond Zawieschitzky and into the far corner to seal victory and a place in the last-16. Salzburg’s four-game unbeaten streak ended and as a result, they exited the competition.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
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