The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off within the next few days, and Real Madrid is looking to carry some momentum into their match against Al-Hilal in Miami on Wednesday afternoon.
As the -340 favorites, the Spanish powerhouse is hopeful about their chances against Al-Hilal, who secured the runner-up spot in the Saudi Arabian league this season, finishing behind Al Ittihad.
This match will mark the debut for Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, who is taking over from Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal Prediction
The previous season, 2024-25, wasn’t exactly up to Madrid’s lofty expectations.
With the signing of Kylian Mbappe, fans anticipated an impressive haul of trophies. However, they ended up second in La Liga, lost to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, and were eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals.
For many clubs, this would be seen as a solid season. But then again, Real Madrid functions on a different level.
Under Ancelotti’s guidance, the team often played defensively, settling for counterattacks. But Alonso is keen on establishing a more aggressive approach.
He aims to push the tempo and encourage dynamic play, leading to a noticeable shift in how the team operates.
The roster boasts enough talent to adapt to different tactics, but Alonso hopes this tournament serves as a means to really connect with the players.
Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal Pick
The tournament has already seen some impressive performances, with Chelsea defeating LAFC, Bayern Munich scoring 10 goals against Auckland, and Paris Saint-Germain triumphing over Atletico Madrid.
While it seems probable that Real Madrid will secure a win on Wednesday, the odds are somewhat steep, especially considering it’s Alonso’s first match at the helm.
Al-Hilal also has a talented squad, which suggests it won’t be an easy path for the Spanish side.
This could turn into a gritty showdown, with Real Madrid focusing on tightening up their game while Al-Hilal plays as the underdog, looking to capitalize on any mistakes.
Play: 2.5 goals (+166)
