The dawn of the Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid begins with a high-profile Club World Cup (CWC) clash against Al-Hilal, a team who know all too well the challenge that awaits them. Having met in the 2022 final a thrilling 5-3 Madrid win these two sides cross paths again, with both under new leadership and eager to make their mark on the global stage.
Madrid Turn the Page Under Alonso
After narrowly missing out on the La Liga title to fierce rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid wasted little time in ushering in a new chapter. Carlo Ancelotti’s departure made way for Xabi Alonso’s long-anticipated return to the Bernabéu, this time in the dugout. His arrival signals a clear intent from Los Blancos to rejuvenate and compete at the highest level, and the club further underlined their ambitions with the marquee signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool.
Dean Huijsen’s acquisition from Bournemouth adds further depth to a backline that was plagued by injuries throughout the 2024/25 season. Despite their defensive woes, Madrid ended the campaign with four wins from five (L1), including back-to-back clean sheets a promising sign as they head into CWC competition.
Al-Hilal Bring Experience and Ambition
Their Saudi Arabian opponents, Al-Hilal, also arrive with renewed leadership, having appointed Simone Inzaghi as permanent manager following Jorge Jesus’ exit. Inzaghi is no stranger to European football but makes his CWC managerial debut here, tasked with guiding the most experienced Saudi club in this tournament’s history this being their fourth appearance.
Al-Hilal finished second in the Saudi Pro League, eight points adrift of champions Al-Ittihad, but ended their domestic campaign unbeaten in five matches (W4, D1). The club have shown they can rise to the occasion, reaching the 2022 final of this competition and pushing Madrid in a goal-laden affair.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
The only previous meeting between these sides ended in a pulsating 5-3 win for Madrid in the 2022 CWC final a match that showcased Al-Hilal’s attacking threat as well as Madrid’s clinical edge. The Spanish giants also boast a 100% record against Saudi clubs (W2), while Al-Hilal are yet to record a win against European opposition in this tournament, also falling to Chelsea in 2021.
Form Guide and Tactical Trends
Recent trends point to a potential goal-fest: each of Madrid’s last four CWC matches featured both teams scoring and over 3.5 goals. The Spanish outfit have netted at least twice in their last six competitive outings, with Kylian Mbappé leading the charge the Frenchman has scored 10 of Madrid’s last 14 goals, and opened the scoring in three of his last four games where he found the net.
For Al-Hilal, Salem Al-Dawsari remains their talisman. Since 2019, no player has been involved in more CWC goals than the Saudi winger (G4, A2), and he’ll be pivotal once again as the club look to make history.
Team News and Key Absences
Madrid’s preparations are hindered by a stretched defence, with four senior defenders ruled out and Vinícius Júnior a doubt. Al-Hilal have injury concerns of their own, with six players potentially unavailable most notably João Cancelo, whose absence will be felt both in attack and defence.
Betting Insight
Given the firepower on both sides and the attacking philosophies of their new managers, this fixture has all the ingredients for another high-scoring affair. A Madrid win with both teams scoring presents strong value, especially with the defensive frailties on display and proven attacking threats across the pitch.
Prediction: Real Madrid 4-2 Al-Hilal
