Real Madrid’s tense 1-0 win over Juventus in the Club World Cup may not have been their most dominant performance, but it marked a meaningful milestone in the journey of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose wait for a defining moment in the white shirt finally came to an end. Yet beyond the cross that led to Gonzalo Garcia’s match-winning goal, there was another moment—short, but resonant—that caught the eye of fans: a four-word response from one of Madrid’s biggest stars.
The message came from Jude Bellingham, a teammate and friend, whose words signified more than support—they hinted at the beginning of something much bigger for Alexander-Arnold at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It was the player’s fourth straight start for Xabi Alonso’s side in the Club World Cup, and while the first half was a shaky affair for Madrid defensively, the second offered redemption—and for the English right-back, a reward.
Early in the second half, with the scoreline still locked at 0-0, Alexander-Arnold delivered a sumptuous cross from the right, meeting the head of 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia, who confidently steered the ball past Juventus goalkeeper Michele di Gregorio. The moment was more than just an assist—it was a statement.
“See you in the quarters! Vamosss,” the 26-year-old later posted on Instagram, clearly elated. Beneath that post, Jude Bellingham responded simply but powerfully with a four-word message: “First of many, brother.”
New beginning in white
The journey to that assist wasn’t without its challenges. In his new role as a right wing-back under Alonso’s 5-3-2 system, Alexander-Arnold has been adjusting from the more familiar back four system he operated in at Liverpool. Juventus exposed the right side of Madrid’s defense on several occasions in the first half, with Andrea Cambiaso and Kenan Yildiz exploiting space left by the Englishman.
Still, his quality on the ball has never been in question. The cross that led to Garcia’s goal highlighted why Real Madrid moved early to secure his services, paying around $13.6 million to Liverpool to bring him in before his contract expired.
It was his first official assist for Los Blancos—but certainly not the last, if Bellingham’s instincts are correct.
The Club World Cup has given Alexander-Arnold a unique opportunity to integrate into Madrid’s evolving side, not only alongside Bellingham, but rising stars like Arda Guler and the tournament’s breakout striker Gonzalo Garcia, who has now scored three goals in the competition.
