Real Madrid booked their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus, thanks to a second-half header from Gonzalo Garcia and an assist from new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Xabi Alonso’s side endured a sluggish first half but grew into the match after the break.

Juventus had the better of the opening stages, with Randal Kolo Muani and Kenan Yildiz both going close to scoring.

Real Madrid’s best early chance came from Jude Bellingham, whose effort was cleared off the line, while Federico Valverde forced a strong save from distance.

The breakthrough came in the second half when Alexander-Arnold delivered a pinpoint cross for Garcia to convert, his first assist since joining from Liverpool.

The goal shifted possession in Madrid’s favour, and they could have extended their lead through Arda Guler, whose volley was kept out by Michele Di Gregorio.

Kylian Mbappé made his return from injury late in the game, featuring for the first time in the tournament, but struggled to make an impact as Madrid lost some attacking cohesion.

Despite the narrow margin, Real Madrid controlled the second half and did enough to secure the win.