Juventus manager hails Real Madrid following 1-0 loss – ‘They are a top-tier side’
Real Madrid booked their spot in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus in the Round of 16 last night. The Spanish giants dominated the encounter from the start, controlling possession and carving out several clear-cut opportunities. Despite their attacking dominance, the scoreline remained tight, largely thanks to an exceptional display from the Juventus goalkeeper, who thwarted multiple attempts on goal.
For a team that created so many chances and showed such attacking intent, many would argue that Real Madrid should have secured a more comfortable victory. Their inability to convert those chances into goals left the final result narrower than the game suggested. Nonetheless, they emerged victorious, showing their class and resilience in key moments.
With this win, Real Madrid now advance to face Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals—a clash that promises to be thrilling. The victory also brings them one step closer to achieving their dream of becoming the first club in history to lift the FIFA Club World Cup title, a milestone that would further solidify their legendary status in world football.
Juventus Manager Responds After Defeat
Following the narrow defeat, Juventus head coach Igor Tudor addressed the media, offering an honest assessment of the game. While disappointed with the result, Tudor expressed admiration for Real Madrid’s performance and explained the difficulties his squad faced during the match.
Surprisingly, Tudor revealed that up to ten of his players had requested to be substituted during the game—an unusual occurrence that he attributed to a combination of physical exhaustion, matchday pressure, and challenging weather conditions.
“It was a mix of factors,” he said. “The season’s end always brings fatigue, there was a lot of tension surrounding this game, and the heat certainly didn’t help. These things added up and affected our rhythm.”
When asked about Real Madrid’s approach, Tudor was full of praise for their tactical discipline and pressing, especially when not in possession of the ball.
“Madrid created danger even when they didn’t have the ball,” he said. “With the ball, we stayed compact and tried to close spaces, but they were still able to apply pressure. They’re a first-class team—disciplined, organized, and very difficult to break down.”
Tudor also singled out Real Madrid’s star forward Kylian Mbappé, highlighting the dramatic impact he brings to the squad.
“Madrid already play at 200 kilometers per hour,” he joked. “But with Mbappé on the pitch, it goes up to 250. That extra pace and energy changes everything. He’s a game-changer.”
As Real Madrid push forward in the tournament with their sights set on history, Juventus now turn their focus to recovery and reflection, aware that they were beaten by one of the world’s elite teams.
