Real Madrid won 1-0 against Juventus in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. It was a match in which the Whites dominated, especially in the second half, and deserved a bigger result. However, not everything is joy; Julio Maldonado, known as Maldini, made this clear after the match.
A match that went from less to more
At the beginning, Real Madrid had difficulties. Juventus created a couple of clear chances that put Madridists on alert. However, little by little, Xabi Alonso's side took control. In the second half, the dominance was total. Madrid barely allowed its rival to advance and persistently sought to increase the score.
Maldini pointed this out clearly: "The final stretch of the first half and the entire second half were fantastic. Madrid was a dominant team." This was evident in the high pressing and the offensive fluidity of the Whites.
Valverde and Gonzalo: the standout players of the match
Two players excelled brightly: Federico Valverde and Gonzalo. The Uruguayan midfielder was a tireless machine, making a difference with his commitment and quality. Meanwhile, the forward appeared at key moments, "breaking down the door" to create danger and generate chances.
Maldini highlighted their performance: "Valverde was outstanding. Gonzalo was decisive." Their performance was one of the pillars that allowed Madrid to control the match and secure the victory.
Arda Güler and defensive doubts
However, not everything was perfect. Maldini focused on Arda Güler, the young Turk who still needs to polish defensive aspects. "Defensively, he left a few slightly more concerning details," he pointed out.
This opinion sparked debate among Madridist supporters. Many see Güler as a growing talent, but they also admit that his defense can be a weak point in high-demand matches.
Is Madrid ready to win the World Cup?
Regarding the Whites' aspirations, Maldini showed caution. "I don't know if it's going to win the World Cup, I think PSG is still ahead," he commented. For him, Madrid is heading in a good direction, but it still lacks that extra edge to surpass the big favorites.
This is an opinion that invites reflection. Real Madrid showed a lot, but it also made it clear that it can't relax if it wants to lift the trophy.