Real Madrid will kick off a new chapter under head coach Xabi Alonso when they face Saudi giants Al-Hilal on Wednesday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, in their opening fixture of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
With both teams entering this tournament under new management, all eyes will be on how the revamped squads perform in a high-profile early-season test.
Al-Hilal reloaded under Simone Inzaghi
Al-Hilal arrive with their own fresh storyline, having recently appointed Simone Inzaghi following his impressive spell at Inter Milan. The Italian tactician brings structure, European pedigree, and a squad packed with international talent.
Real Madrid predicted XI
Xabi Alonso is expected to field an aggressive starting eleven, showcasing his attacking philosophy early on. The expected lineup includes:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Mbappe
Al-Hilal predicted XI
Al-Hilal's potential lineup features a mix of elite European experience and Saudi national team regulars:
Bono; Tambakti, Koulibaly, Al-Bulayhi; Cancelo, Kanno, Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, Salem Al-Dawsari; Malcolm, Mitrovic
