After a relatively straightforward group stage, Real Madrid secured their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. However, they will not have an easy road ahead as they face Juventus in a matchup that carries plenty of history. With both teams arriving in good shape in the tournament, the game promises to be a competitive showdown.
Under the leadership of head coach Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have sustained an impressive unbeaten streak in the tournament, even without their star player Kylian Mbappe. The team’s offensive prowess remains unmatched. Alonso’s tactical influence is evident, with the squad adopting a formation featuring three central defenders and two wing-backs, reminiscent of his approach at Bayer Leverkusen.
Juventus, even after their recent defeat to Manchester City, have showcased impressive offensive firepower. However, their defensive frailties, particularly evident against the English team, pose a significant challenge. The coach’s decision to field a backline with three relatively inexperienced center-backs could leave vulnerabilities for Real Madrid’s powerful offense to exploit, which could offer an interesting game.
Real Madrid confirmed lineup vs Juventus
Facing the Round of 16, Real Madrid arrive with three important absentees: Endrick, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy. However, they have Daniel Carvajal back, their captain who was out for many months with a knee injury. Despite this, he will not start vs Juventus as the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold could allow him to return to the game gradually.
Federico Valverde #8 of Real Madrid C. F. celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Brahim Diaz #21 and Vinicius Junior #7 of Real Madrid C. F. during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
In addition, Xabi Alonso will not count on with Kylian Mbappe in the starting eleven. Gonzalo Garcia will take his place, as the previous games. With this in mind, Real Madrid will play as follows against Juventus: Thibaut Courtois; Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dean Huijsen; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Fran Garcia; Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe.
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Xabi Alonso’s contract and salary: How much does the Real Madrid head coach earn?
Juventus confirmed lineup vs Real Madrid
Not only do Real Madrid arrive with injuries, but Juventus do as well. However, only Nicolo Savona is added as a novelty to the injured list. For this reason, Italian defender Daniele Rugani will take his place in the defensive backline. In addition, head coach Igor Tudor will field promising youngster Kenan Yildiz, who is the team’s star player. With this, they will seek to have a greater offensive role alongside Randal Kolo Muani.
For this reason, Juventus will line up like this against Real Madrid: Michele Di Gregorio; Pierre Kalulu, Daniele Rugani, Lloyd Kelly; Alberto Baio, Manuel Locatelli, Khephren Thuram, Andrea Cambiaso; Francisco Conceicao, Kenan Yildiz; Randal Kolo Muani.
