June 27, 2025
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA — Real Madrid once again stamped their authority on the global stage, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory in their second group-stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. With the win, they booked their place in the knockout rounds, underlining why they are the most decorated club in the competition’s history.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men, already brimming with confidence after their Champions League triumph last season, were clinical and composed against the African champions Wydad Casablanca, who had come into the game on the back of a gritty draw against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Dominance from the Start
Madrid didn’t waste time asserting dominance. In the 12th minute, Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a low-driven effort from the edge of the box after a slick combination between Federico Valverde and Rodrygo carved open the Moroccan defence. Bellingham’s maturity and ability to dictate tempo continue to shine, making him a vital cog in Ancelotti’s midfield machinery.
Wydad responded with spirited counter-attacks, exploiting space behind Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, but their finishing lacked composure. A curling attempt from Ayoub El Kaabi was their best chance in the first half, forcing a full-stretch save from Andriy Lunin, who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois for this tournament.
Vinícius and Rodrygo Light Up the Wings
Real Madrid doubled their lead just before half-time through Vinícius Júnior, whose explosive pace and trickery left Wydad’s right-back frozen. After cutting inside, he unleashed a fierce strike into the top corner—his sixth goal in his last seven appearances. The Brazilian duo of Vini and Rodrygo has proven nearly unplayable in wide areas, and Wydad’s backline couldn’t cope with their positional fluidity.
Rodrygo added a third in the 68th minute after a high press forced a turnover deep in Wydad’s half. Luka Modrić, who came on in the second half, threaded a perfect through ball, and Rodrygo coolly chipped the onrushing goalkeeper to seal the win.
Tactical Masterclass by Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti rotated smartly, handing rest to key players like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Éder Militão while still keeping the core intact. His 4-3-3 formation fluidly shifted into a 4-2-3-1 mid-game, allowing Madrid to dominate possession (67%) and register 18 shots, 9 of them on target.
The midfield balance between Bellingham, Valverde, and Toni Kroos ensured Madrid never lost control, while the defence marshalled by Antonio Rüdiger kept Wydad at bay.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid now tops their group with six points from two matches and will advance to the semifinals, where they will likely face either Al Ahly or América. The depth in their squad—coupled with Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility—makes them the clear favourites for yet another Club World Cup crown.
Wydad Casablanca still have a mathematical chance of progressing but will need to beat Urawa Red Diamonds convincingly and hope other results go their way.
Player of the Match: Jude Bellingham
With one goal, 90% pass accuracy, and 3 key passes, Bellingham continues to impress on the biggest stages. His composure, intelligence, and energy gave Madrid complete midfield superiority.
Final Score: Real Madrid 3-0 Wydad Casablanca
Goals:
- Jude Bellingham (12’)
- Vinícius Júnior (44’)
- Rodrygo (68’)
Possession:
- Real Madrid 67%
- Wydad Casablanca 33%
Shots (on target):
- Real Madrid 18 (9)
- Wydad Casablanca 6 (2)
