Atlanta, June 19, 2025 – Inter Miami secured a memorable 2–1 victory over Portuguese giants FC Porto in a Group A clash at the FIFA Club World Cup, marking a landmark win for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side against a top-tier European opponent.

First Half: Porto Takes the Lead

FC Porto struck early in the 8th minute when Samu Aghehowa calmly slotted home a penalty awarded via VAR, following a foul by Noah Allen on João Mário in the box. Inter Miami struggled to break through a disciplined Porto defense and went into the break trailing 1–0.

Second Half Comeback

The second half saw a transformed Miami side. Just over a minute after the restart, Telasco Segovia met Marcelo Weigandt’s precise cross with a powerful header to draw level.

In the 54th minute, Lionel Messi stepped up and delivered a trademark free-kick that soared into the top corner, giving Inter Miami a 2–1 lead they would not relinquish.

Match Highlights

Goals: Aghehowa (8’ pen), Segovia (47’), Messi (54’ free-kick)

Messi Milestone: The goal marked Messi’s 50th strike in 61 appearances for Inter Miami.

Historic Feat: Inter Miami became the first CONCACAF side to defeat a UEFA club in the Club World Cup since 2012.

Match Stats: Porto registered 14 shots, but Miami proved more clinical with five on target compared to Porto’s three.

Coach Javier Mascherano’s halftime adjustments proved decisive as Miami controlled the early second-half tempo and capitalized on key opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The win places Inter Miami on four points in Group A, level with Palmeiras. FC Porto and Al Ahly sit on one point each. Miami will face Palmeiras in their final group game, needing at least a draw to advance to the knockout stage.

Summary: Fueled by tactical discipline and a moment of magic from Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s 2–1 triumph over FC Porto sends a strong message—MLS clubs can compete on the world stage.

Real Madrid were held to a 1–1 draw by Saudi giants Al-Hilal in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as new head coach Xabi Alonso experienced a frustrating start to life in charge.

The clash, played in the sweltering heat of Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, had no shortage of drama—including a missed late penalty that denied Los Blancos all three points.

Early Promise, Quick Response

Madrid took the lead in the 34th minute through academy sensation Gonzalo García, who marked his competitive debut with a composed finish after being set up by Rodrygo. The goal seemed to settle Alonso’s side, who had controlled large spells of possession.

But Al-Hilal responded just seven minutes later. After Marcos Asensio clumsily fouled in the box, former Wolves midfielder Rúben Neves stepped up to calmly convert from the penalty spot, levelling the tie at 1–1.

Missed Chances and Missed Opportunity

Madrid pushed hard in the second half, with Arda Güler coming closest when his curling effort rattled the crossbar. However, Al-Hilal’s defence, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly and expertly marshalled by goalkeeper Yassine Bono, stood firm.

Just as Madrid looked destined to take control, late drama struck. In the 89th minute, a VAR review awarded Real a penalty after Fran García was brought down. Up stepped Federico Valverde—but Bono guessed right and made a superb save to deny the Uruguayan.

Debuts and Tactical Tweaks

There were full competitive debuts for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, with the former showing glimpses of his playmaking ability before being substituted midway through the second half.

Xabi Alonso’s tactical adjustments throughout the match, including pushing Aurélien Tchouaméni into defence and introducing Güler and Dani Ceballos, showed promise but lacked end product on the day.

What It Means

Both teams start their Group H campaigns with a point. Real Madrid will now turn their attention to Pachuca, while Al-Hilal prepare to face Red Bull Salzburg. With only two teams advancing, the pressure is already mounting in this expanded Club World Cup format.

Final Thoughts

It was a tale of missed chances for Madrid, particularly the late penalty miss, while Al-Hilal walk away with a deserved point thanks to their structured defensive display and Bono’s heroics. For Alonso, it’s a reminder that even football royalty can’t expect an easy ride on the world stage.

FC Barcelona activated the release clause of player Joan Garcia. The cost of the clause was 25 million euros plus CPI.

This Friday, the player will sign a contract with the club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2031, in a private ceremony at FC Barcelona’s offices.

Goalkeeper, thanks to his brother

Born in Sallent de Llobregat, in the Bages region of Catalonia, the new Barça goalkeeper, like many others, didn’t start out between the posts. However, it wasn’t long before he followed in the footsteps of his older brother and picked up the gloves. That was the beginning of his path toward the elite. After leaving Sallent, he moved to Manresa and then to Damm, until Espanyol signed him at the age of 15.

Olympic champion

During his time at Espanyol, he became a regular in Spain’s youth national teams from the U17 to the U21 level, and he has an Olympic gold medal from the 2024 Games in Paris. Although he has yet to receive a call-up to the senior national team, that debut seems imminent, and it will come as a Barça player.

Best in the league

With Espanyol, he made his first-team debut at the end of 2021, but it wasn’t until the 2023/24 season that he established himself as the starting goalkeeper, helping the team earn promotion back to the top flight. He has just completed a fantastic campaign in La Liga, playing a key role in Espanyol’s survival. In numbers, he was the goalkeeper with the most saves in the league (146), and according to advanced statistics, the one who prevented the most goals in the entire competition.

Present and future

His outstanding performances, combined with his exceptional potential at just 24 years old, has made him a target for many top clubs around the world, Barça included. Deco has secured the signing of a goalkeeper who offers immediate reliability and an even brighter future.

fcbarcelona.com