Real Madrid and Al Hilal are set to clash in the Group H opener at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Both teams arrive aiming to make an early statement in the tournament. On the one hand, the Spanish team come with something to prove since it failed to win either LaLiga or the UEFA Champions League in the last 2024-25 season. Al Hilal, on the other hand, enter the Club World Cup as Saudi Pro League champions and one of the most consistent teams in the Middle East.
Al Hilal may not have signed the biggest names, but they have built a strong and well-balanced team. Their success comes from keeping a solid core while making smart additions. Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Malcom have all played key roles, helping the team stay compact and defensively strong, while also improving its ability to control games.
The 2024â25 season brought more frustration than celebration for Real Madrid, leading to the departure of Carlo Ancelotti. Nevertheless, the arrival of Xabi Alonso as head coach marks the start of a new chapter filled with renewed ambition.
Moreover, the signings of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold reflect a clear shift in direction. As a result, fans remain hopeful for a sixth Club World Cup title. Still, Alonso faces an early challenge, as limited time with the squad may hinder the full implementation of his tactical approach.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates victory with teammates after Real Madrid defeat Atletico de Madrid in the penalty shootout during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match.
Real Madrid confirmed starting lineup
With Real Madrid playing Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Xabi Alonso steps into his first tournament with the club facing significant challenges. Despite being the favorites, the team will compete without key players Endrick, Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga. Additionally, Kylian Mbappe will miss the game due to a fever.
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Considering these factors, Real Madrid will field the following lineup against Al Hilal: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia; Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham; Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo, Rodrygo Goes.
Al Hilal confirmed starting lineup
Al Hilal enter the tournament fresh off their Saudi Pro League championship but with a shake-up at the helm, as they recently appointed UEFA Champions League finalist Simone Inzaghi as head coach. This change, bold as it may be, arrives on the eve of the Club World Cup, potentially disrupting the teamâs rhythm as Inzaghi integrates his tactics.
In terms of lineup considerations, Inzaghi will count on Portuguese fullback Joao Cancelo, who recovered from an injury that sidelined him at the end of the 2024-25 season. Al Hilal will face a significant challenge as they head into their upcoming match without Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is sidelined with a muscle injury. Mitrovicâs absence will be probably felt, given his impressive tally of 19 goals last season.
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For this reason, Al Hilal will play as follows against Real Madrid: Yassine Bounou; Hassan Al Tambakti, Kalidou Koulibaly, Renan Lodi, Joao Cancelo; Nasser, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Salem Al-Dawsari; Malcom, Marcos Leonardo.
