Real Madrid C.F. were under profound pressure. They’d drawn their opener. They dropped to a numerical disadvantage in outing two’s infancy. Fortunately for Xabi Alonso’s side, a veteran guardian and an emerging ace inspired them to a victory that eliminated CF Pachuca. The section’s other game, between FC Salzburg and Al Hilal, was thrill-full but goal-free, leaving an intriguing three-team fight for two tickets to the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Juventus FC and Manchester City, thanks to palatial performances from Kenan Yildiz and Ilkay Gundogan, cruised to wins that sent them through and ended the hopes of Wydad AC and Al Ain FC. A tactical tussle between Igor Tudor and Pep Guardiola will, says the consensus, determine who finishes top and avoids a clash with Real, should they top Group H. A draw will do for Juve.

Juventus FC 4-1 Wydad AC

Group G Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

‘Yildiz’ means star in Turkish. Kenan Yildiz is one and then some. The 20-year-old forced the first, rocketed home a goal-of-the-tournament contender for the second, and added a fine third as Juve won big in back-to-back games.

Real Madrid C.F. 3-1 CF Pachuca

Group H Bank of America Stadium, CharlotteJobe Bellingham starred when his team were in trouble on Saturday, and big brother Jude did the same on Sunday. Los Blancos were at a numerical disadvantage from the seventh minute, but a clinically-taken goal from their No5 set up a comfortable victory.

FC Salzburg 0-0 Al Hilal

Group H Audi Field, Washington D.C.

The chances kept coming. A goal didn’t. Responsible were implausible goal-line clearances at both ends, and the remarkable reflexes of Yassine Bounou and Christian Zawieschitzky.

Manchester City 6-0 Al Ain FC

Group G Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

It was a day of positives aplenty for the Citizens. Stefan Ortega kept a clean sheet. Claudio Echeverri and Rayan Cherki got their got his first goals for the club. Oscar Bobb got his first since returning from a long-term injury. Rodri got another 30 minutes under his belt. Gundogan bagged a brace and Erling Haaland got off the mark at this tournament. (FIFA.COM)