First Trophy For Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid? Evaluating Spanish Giants’ Chances In 2025 Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup is at the semi-final stage and Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid, one of the semi-finalists is among the favorites to lift the newly carved Club World Cup trophy. Xabi Alonso arrived at this tournament fresh from charge of Real Madrid tasked with the immediate responsibility of winning the Club World Cup.
Real Madrid finished the regular season without a trophy after losing to Arsenal in the Champions League and missing out on all fronts domestically to Barcelona. The former Liverpool man took over a Real Madrid team needing a tactical Makeover but equally desperate for restitution, and the FIFA Club World Cup served as the perfect opportunity.
Alonso’s impact was not immediate as the team needed a bit of time to understand his philosophy as witnessed with the Al Hilal draw but gradually the team found the cutting edge that has pushed it into the semi-final and a clash with PSG
Probability for Real Madrid to Lift Club World Cup
The Super Computer predicts Real Madrid have a 24.6% chance of winning this year’s Club World Cup which places the Blaugrana third on the favorites list behind Chelsea and PSG. At the beginning of the tournament, Real Madrid were placed as the second favourite (behind PSG), but facing pre-tournament favourite, PSG in the semi-final on Wednesday has turned the tables around, with most believing it’s too soon a test to overcome for Xabi Alonso’s men despite the impressive run to the semi-finals.
Most forget though, Real Madrid Alongside Fluminense remain the only side yet to taste defeat in the ongoing tournament, they are also the most successful side in this competition with a record 5 wins and most must remember that Despite PSG’s impressive run in 2025 this is only their first appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Players To Watch For La Liga Giants
Real Madrid’s run at the Club World Cup has come as a surprise to some given the state of the team heading into the Club World Cup with a new manager in charge. Ravaged with Injury in the entire defence apart from Asencio, uncertain future of Rodrygo and Injury to Kylian Mbappe, Xabi Alonso has remarkably turned out the fortunes of the team introducing 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia who has shone like a million star producing 4 goals and an assist. Of all players to have scored 4 goals(Guirassy, Marcus Leonardo, Angel Di Maria) he is the only one left in the tournament. And few now doubt Alonso’s choice of starting the Spaniard ahead of Rodrygo.
The addition of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth has also brought Stability and control in the Real Madrid defence. His distribution and ability to read the game have helped bolster Xabi Alonso’s ‘Protagonist’ Style of play. Trent Alexander-Arnold from right back has weighed in with 2 assists and has been involved in either goal or assist since the tournament started. His importance in the team under Alonso will only continue to grow as the team evolves which leaves many wondering what happens with Dani Carvajal back to full fitness.
Area Guler has been a breath of fresh air in the Real Madrid midfield this tournament, his composure on the ball has ensured everything goes through him with 2 assists.nd a further 4 big chances created Arda Guler has been a revelation under Xabi Alonso and expectations continue to grow on the Turkish international.
Also Read: Olympic Lyonnais Demotion and Similarities To Manchester City 115 Charges.
Tactical Analysis
PSG head into this game as overwhelming favourites based on their run to the semi-final, Champions League exploit and a manager who seems to have conjured a system that works perfectly to bring out the best from players like Joao Neves, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Hakimi.
PSG kept a clean sheet against Bayern Munich in a 2-0 win but it was a real test as they held on for their lives following the 2 red cards, Luis Enrique’s men must be wary of a repeat complacency against a Real Madrid team who appear hungrier.
Real Madrid showed glimpses of its pre-tournament defensive frailties by conceding twice against Dortmund in the quarter-final final but a reminder of its ruthlessness came in Mbappe. The former PSG man again came off the bench to score a beautiful goal and will intend to ‘Eat The hand that once fed’ him as it also gives him the oppourtunity to insert himself in the ballon d’or conversation with a chance to win the tournamant after scoring 44 goals which is more than Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal.
Predicted Line Up For Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Asencio, F Garcia; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Valverde; Guler, G Garcia, Vinicius Junior
PSG possible Starting Lineup:
Donnarumma; Nuno Mendes, Beraldo, Marquinhos, Hakimi; Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Doue, Barcola.
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