FIFA Club World Cup: Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal Picks — Alonso’s New-Look Side to Get Off to the Perfect Start? (Jun 18)

It has been a summer of change at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Xabi Alonso being brought in to replace Carlo Ancelotti.

Alonso will be aiming to stamp his own footprint on the talented Spanish side, but as is typically the case, Los Blancos will have huge pressure to compete until the latter stages in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Al-Hilal should prove to be a difficult opening on matchday one in Group H. The Saudi Pro League side has invested heavily in their squad over the last couple of years, and showcasing their ability against Europe’s best will be a chance to showcase their ability on the biggest stage.

Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal Overview

Odds

Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal Head-to-Head Record

This opening clash will be a rematch of the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final. Real Madrid secured a 5-3 win in February 2023, with Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde both netting braces.

Key Stats

• Real Madrid is the most successful team in the Club World Cup, with their 2022 success marking their fifth win in the competition.
• Al-Hilal is the most successful team in Saudi Arabia, winning the Pro League title for the 19^th time in 2023-24.

Real Madrid Team News

Real Madrid will be without Luka Modric, who was released at the end of the European season. However, Los Blancos have included Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen in the travelling squad this summer.

Possible Lineup

T. Courtois (GK); A. Rudiger, R. Asencio, D. Huijsen, T. Alexander-Arnold, A. Tchouameni, F. Valverde, E. Camavinga, F. Mendy, J. Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, K. Mbappe

Al-Hilal Team News

Al-Hilal have no injury concerns ahead of this opening clash with Real Madrid. Therefore, Ruben Dias and Aleksandar Mitrovic are both expected to start on Wednesday.

Possible Lineup

Bono (GK); K. Aldawsari, K. Koulibaly, H. Tambakti, R. Lodi, R. Neves, N. Al Dawsari, M. Kanno, S. Milinkovic-Savic, S. Al-Dawsari, A. Mitrovic

Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal Picks

Despite heavy investment by teams in the Saudi Pro League, there is still a massive gulf in quality between the teams in the Middle East and Europe.

That is likely to be reflected in this opening match for Real Madrid and Al-Hilal on Wednesday. Real’s new era under Alonso looks extremely likely to get underway with a big-scoring victory.