Real Madrid take on Al Hilal in a high-stakes Group H opener at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in Miami. The clash features two continental powerhouses—Europe’s most successful club and Asia’s most consistent force in recent years.
Real Madrid, now under Xabi Alonso, arrive with a refreshed lineup including new marquee signing Kylian Mbappé, alongside stars like Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo. Their recent form has been strong domestically, though they are still settling under new tactical systems.
Al Hilal, led by Simone Inzaghi, are in excellent form, coming off a domestic double and dominating the AFC Champions League. With a squad full of international experience—Mitrović, Bounou, Koulibaly, Neves, and Malcom—they pose a serious threat.
The match is critical, as only two of four teams will progress from Group H, which also includes Pachuca and RB Salzburg. Madrid will aim to assert early dominance, while Al Hilal look to shock the world by upsetting the European giants.
A thrilling contest is expected, with Real Madrid favorites—but Al Hilal certainly not to be underestimated.
Recent Team Form
A refined look at the recent form of Real Madrid and Al Hilal heading into their Club World Cup clash:
Real Madrid
La Liga & All Competitions
In La Liga, Real Madrid are 2nd, with a record of 22 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses—averaging 2.18 points per game.
Their last five league matches show strong form: 5 Wins and 1 Loss.
Cup Competitions & Champions League
They secured the UEFA Super Cup and the inaugural Intercontinental Cup.
In the Champions League, they reached the quarter-finals but were eliminated by Arsenal.
Key Trends & Tactical Changes
Manager Xabi Alonso has taken over following inconsistency under Ancelotti, with a focus on rebuilding defensive stability and revitalizing attack.
Jude Bellingham appears rejuvenated, dropped deep into midfield to unleash his creativity—though he’ll need to reintegrate fully.
Al Hilal
Domestic Dominance
Currently 2nd in Saudi Pro League, with 19 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses, scoring 77 and conceding 32 in 28 games.
In cup competitions, they lifted the King Cup and the Saudi Super Cup.
Continental and AFC Form
In the AFC Champions League, they’ve won every group game so far.
Squad Strengths & Attack Power
Under Simone Inzaghi, stars like Mitrović, Bono, Koulibaly, Malcom, and Milinković‑Savić lead a potent lineup .
Their top-scoring charts highlight offensive depth: Mitrović (14 goals), Marcos Leonardo (17), Salem Al‑Dawsari (9) alongside double-figure assisters .
Summary
Both sides enter the match in excellent shape, though Al Hilal are riding a steeper trajectory, building confidence through unbeaten runs across all competitions. Real Madrid, however, bring continental experience and a refreshed tactical approach.
Team Details
Here are the detailed squad and staff breakdowns for both teams ahead of the clash:
Real Madrid
Head Coach
Xabi Alonso (43)
Newly appointed as head coach until 2028, after a stellar spell at Bayer Leverkusen where he achieved a Bundesliga title, German Cup, and Super Cup, with a 51-match unbeaten run.
Squad Highlights
Defenders: Carvajal, Rüdiger, Militão nearing fitness; new signings include Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Midfield: Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Valverde, and newly added Franco Mastantuono, slated for midfield roles.
Attackers: Star-studded front featuring Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and recent signing Kylian Mbappé.
Squad Depth
34 players travelled including academy prospects and injured seniors (Mendy, Camavinga, Endrick), signaling Alonso’s emphasis on adaptation and tactical flexibility.
Al Hilal
Head Coach
Simone Inzaghi recently replaced Jorge Jesus after his successful tenure, which included setting a global record with 34 consecutive wins and securing multiple domestic titles .
Key Players & Roles
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (“Bono”) – experienced former Sevilla keeper
Defense Kalidou Koulibaly (CB), João Cancelo (RB/LB), Moteb Al‑Harbi (LB)
Midfield Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković‑Savić, Mohamed Kanno, Salem Al‑Dawsari (captain)
Attack Aleksandar Mitrović (serious physical threat), Marcos Leonardo, Malcom
Strong depth and international stars make them a leading representative of Asian football .
Predicted Lineups
Here is the predicted lineup for Real Madrid vs Al Hilal in their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group-stage clash:
Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Manager: Xabi Alonso
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
Antonio Rüdiger (CB)
Éder Militão (CB)
Ferland Mendy (LB)
Midfielders
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Jude Bellingham
Federico Valverde
Forwards
Vinícius Jr. (LW)
Kylian Mbappé (CF)
Rodrygo (RW)
Bench Options: Dani Ceballos, Brahim Díaz, Joselu, Camavinga (if fit), Mastantuono
Notable Absentees: Luka Modrić (rotation/injury doubt), Endrick (minor injury), Nacho (suspended)
Al Hilal (4-2-3-1)
Manager: Simone Inzaghi
Goalkeeper
Yassine Bounou (Bono)
Defenders
João Cancelo (RB)
Kalidou Koulibaly (CB)
Ali Al-Bulaihi (CB)
Moteb Al-Harbi (LB)
Midfielders
Rúben Neves (DM)
Sergej Milinković-Savić (DM)
Salem Al-Dawsari (AM)
Forwards
Malcom (RW)
Marcos Leonardo (LW)
Aleksandar Mitrović (ST)
Bench Options: Abdullah Otayf, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Michael, Carrillo
Notable Absentees: Salman Al-Faraj (fitness), Abdullah Al-Mayouf (retired from int’l play)
Importance : Real Madrid vs Al Hilal
This match carries significant importance for both sides as they begin their Group H campaign in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup:
For Real Madrid:
• Title Expectations: As the most decorated club in Europe, Real Madrid are expected to reach the final. A strong start sets the tone for dominance.
• Xabi Alonso’s Test: It’s Alonso’s first major international match as Madrid manager. The result could define early perceptions of his leadership.
• Group Positioning: With other group rivals like Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg, Madrid can’t afford to drop early points and risk a tricky knockout path.
• Global Audience: It’s a moment to showcase their new star signings like Mbappé on the world stage.
For Al Hilal:
• Asian Pride: As champions of Asia, Al Hilal represent the best from the AFC and aim to prove that clubs from the Middle East can compete with European giants.
• Underdog Advantage: A win or even a draw against Madrid would boost their confidence and shock the tournament landscape.
• Inzaghi’s Evolution: Simone Inzaghi faces a huge tactical challenge—this match could validate his methods on a global platform.
Tournament Impact:
• Only the top 2 teams from the group advance to the Round of 16. With 4 teams per group, every match is critical, no room for error.
• Goal difference could be decisive. Both teams will likely push for a high-scoring result.
Conclusion: Real Madrid vs Al Hilal
The showdown between Real Madrid and Al Hilal is more than just a group-stage fixture, it’s a clash of footballing cultures, ambitions, and legacies. Real Madrid bring elite European pedigree and world-class talent, looking to assert early dominance under a new managerial era. Al Hilal, on the other hand, enter with momentum, depth, and a belief that they can challenge any side on the world stage.
With both teams eyeing the knockout phase, this encounter is crucial for setting the tone in Group H. Madrid will look to impose their style, but Al Hilal’s cohesion and star power mean an upset isn’t out of the question.
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