Match Preview: Real Madrid vs Al Hilal
Tournament: FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida, USA
Kick-off: Wednesday, June 18 – 15:00 EDT | 12:00 PST | 19:00 GMT | 21:00 CEST

European champions Real Madrid open their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on Wednesday against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in what promises to be an explosive start to the revamped global competition.

While Madrid arrive with legacy and silverware, Al Hilal arrive with purpose. The Saudi side, backed by growing investment and bold ambition, are eyeing more than just a respectable showing—they want to make a statement on the world stage.

The clash is a rematch of the 2023 Club World Cup final, where Real Madrid edged Al Hilal 5–3 in a thrilling contest in Rabat. Vinicius Jr. starred with two goals and an assist in that match, which marked the first time a Saudi team reached the tournament final.

This match also marks a new era for Real Madrid as club legend Xabi Alonso takes charge for the first time. Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who departed to coach Brazil. After winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso’s return to Madrid has reignited hope among fans looking for fresh energy and tactical innovation.

All eyes will be on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to make his Real Madrid debut after completing a high-profile move from Liverpool. His arrival adds fresh creativity to Madrid’s right flank, with Dani Carvajal still easing back from injury.

Also in line for a debut is Dutch-born defender Dean Huijsen, while Brazilian teen sensation Endrick remains out with injury.

Al Hilal, meanwhile, will rely on Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to lead the line, with support from Malcom and Marcos Leonardo. The midfield boasts seasoned talents like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Joao Neves. Joao Cancelo is Al Hilal’s only notable absentee, sidelined with a hamstring strain.

Al Hilal booked their ticket to the tournament through their 2021 AFC Champions League title. Despite finishing second in the Saudi Pro League this season behind Al Ittihad, they remain one of Asia’s most decorated and ambitious sides.

Real Madrid have already lifted five Club World Cup titles under its former format and added the inaugural Intercontinental Cup trophy in December by beating Pachuca 3–0. The Spanish giants are the tournament’s most successful club and are now chasing a sixth global crown.

While Real qualified by virtue of their Champions League and La Liga double two seasons ago, Barcelona miss out due to lower UEFA coefficient rankings over the qualification cycle. Atletico Madrid, Spain’s other representative, edged Barca in continental points.

Real Madrid:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Guler, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Al Hilal:
Bounou; K Al-Dawsari, Koulibaly, Al-Bulayhi; Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, Lodi; Malcom, Marcos Leonardo, Mitrovic.

Stay with WafricNews Sports for full post-match coverage, player ratings, and insight into what this clash means for global football’s shifting power dynamics.


By Wafricnews Sports Desk.