Real Madrid vs Juventus – Predicted XI & Match Preview
Real Madrid face Juventus in the Club World Cup 2025 knockout round. See predicted lineup, key updates, and why Xabi Alonso’s side is ready to dominate.
Shortest90- July 1, 2025
The stakes could not be higher. The Club World Cup 2025 has entered its most unforgiving phase—the knockout rounds—and for Real Madrid, the path to global glory begins with a heavyweight clash against Juventus.
Manager Xabi Alonso, freshly appointed and already making waves, knows what’s on the line. “Every game from now on is a final,” he stated confidently. The mission is clear: win or go home. But for Alonso, it’s more than just survival—it’s about legacy.
A New Era Begins
Real Madrid have their eyes firmly set on lifting the revamped FIFA Club World Cup trophy—a piece of silverware that will define the start of Alonso’s reign. “I want this badge on my kit for the next four years,” he said. The ambition is clear: be the first club to win the rebranded version of the tournament.
Madrid’s journey so far has been steady and impressive. After drawing with Al Hilal early in the group stage, the Spanish giants bounced back with commanding wins over Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg—most notably a 3-0 dismantling of the Austrian side, which many hailed as Madrid’s best performance of the season.
Tactical Transformation Under Alonso
Much of this turnaround has been attributed to the quick impact of Alonso’s tactical philosophy. Under his guidance, Madrid have shifted into a more fluid, modern system. The most effective of these was the 3-5-2 formation, trialed against Salzburg and expected to be used again versus Juventus.
The standout features of this tactical evolution? A back three marshaled by Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni in a hybrid CB/DM role, and Dean Huijsen, who has quickly become the team’s best-performing defender of the tournament. The wing-back pairing of Fran García and Trent Alexander-Arnold has also provided both width and attacking thrust.
In midfield, Arda Güler has emerged as a revelation—his control in possession and vision in tight spaces has made him undroppable. Alongside him, stalwarts Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde provide energy, intelligence, and quality.
Gonzalo Garcia: The Benzema-Inspired Breakout Star
With Kylian Mbappé missing the group stage due to illness and Endrick recovering from a knock, few expected Gonzalo Garcia to shine the way he has. But Garcia seized his moment, scoring important goals and showing flashes of Karim Benzema-esque intelligence and movement.
So impactful has his rise been, that many—including Alonso himself—believe Mbappé should start on the bench against Juventus. “Gonzalo deserves it,” fans have echoed online, citing his link-up play, tireless pressing, and finishing ability. Whether Alonso agrees remains to be seen.
Mbappé, Endrick & Injury News
Madrid fans will be relieved to hear that Kylian Mbappé, Endrick, and even Éder Militão are back in training. However, Alonso may not rush them back. Militão, returning from an ACL injury, is unlikely to feature unless the game is comfortably won.
Meanwhile, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dani Carvajal remain sidelined, creating challenges in squad rotation. But Alonso’s growing trust in young players and tactical depth has helped fill those gaps impressively.
Juventus: A Familiar Foe, A Forgotten Rivalry
Juventus arrive into this fixture after finishing second in their group, behind Manchester City. The Italian giants started strong with wins over Al Ain and Wydad, but were humbled 4-0 by City in their final group match—a performance that exposed clear vulnerabilities.
While Juventus have talent and pedigree, they lack the form and depth of Real Madrid. The matchup also reignites a rivalry that hasn’t been seen in competitive European football since the 2017 Champions League final. For Madridistas, it’s a refreshing change from the seemingly endless run-ins with Manchester City.
Predicted Starting XI vs Juventus
Here’s the likely lineup Alonso will go with against the Bianconeri:
Formation: 3-5-2
GK: Thibaut Courtois
CBs: Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni (central), Dean Huijsen
Wing-backs: Fran García (LWB), Trent Alexander-Arnold (RWB)
Midfield Trio: Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde
Forwards: Vinícius Jr., Gonzalo Garcia
It’s a blend of youth, flair, experience, and tactical flexibility. If this XI clicks the way it did against Salzburg, Juventus could be in for a long night.
Final Thoughts: Do or Die
Real Madrid are peaking at the right moment. Under Alonso, the team is playing with a sense of belief, clarity, and rhythm that had been lacking under the final months of Carlo Ancelotti. The blend of tactical identity, rising stars, and returning superstars like Mbappé gives Madrid a sharp edge heading into the knockout stage.
As Alonso put it: “We are going to batter teams in Europe.” Now, it’s time to put that bold claim to the test.
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