Real Madrid faces RB Salzburg on Thursday in a Club World Cup match where qualification for the Round of 16 is not yet guaranteed. A win would secure their spot as group winners, while a draw might suffice based on the outcome of the Al-Hilal vs. Pachuca game. Manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that star striker Kylian Mbappe will be absent for this crucial fixture.
Mbappe was hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis during the group stage but was discharged about a week ago and has resumed training. However, given the hot conditions and his recent illness, the club is managing his recovery cautiously. While there is hope he might feature in the Round of 16, the focus remains on a slow and safe return.
Manager Xabi Alonso commented on Mbappe`s condition: “I was pleased to see him on the field, but it`s his first time running. He`s not fully recovered and still has a vulnerability that prevents him from playing at the competitive level required for Thursday`s match. After training, we discussed his situation, and he`s hoping for faster recovery to be available for the Round of 16, should we qualify. He`s still recovering and not yet at 100%.”
Mbappe`s presence will be crucial for Real Madrid in the knockout stages. In his first season with the club, he demonstrated his importance by scoring 40 goals and providing four assists across all competitions. As the season has ended without major silverware, the Club World Cup offers Real Madrid an opportunity to conclude on a high note before the offseason break.
With Mbappe out, young forward Gonzalo Garcia is expected to make his third consecutive start for Real Madrid in the tournament. The 21-year-old has impressed, contributing a goal and an assist in his previous two appearances, exceeding his total appearances for the senior team before this competition. Manager Alonso is clearly using the tournament to evaluate his squad depth, including promising talents from the youth academy like Garcia. Notably, Rodrygo has not been deployed as a false nine in Mbappe`s absence, leading to speculation about the Brazilian`s future at the club and Alonso`s assessment of alternative options.
Predicted Lineups
RB Salzburg: Christian Zawieschitzky, Stefan Lainer, Joane Gadou, Jacob Rasmussen, Frans Kratzig, Mads Bidstrup, Soumaila Diabate, Nene Dorgeles, Oscar Gloukh, Edmund Baidoo, Karim Onisiwo
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior
How to Watch & Odds
- Date: Thursday, June 26
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN (for free)
- Odds: RB Salzburg +750; Draw +490; Real Madrid -370
Group H Scenarios
Real Madrid advance to the round of 16 with:
- Win or draw against RB Salzburg
- Loss to RB Salzburg AND Al-Hilal draw or loss to Pachuca
RB Salzburg advance to the round of 16 with:
- Win or draw against Real Madrid
- Loss to Real Madrid AND Al-Hilal loss to Pachuca
Al-Hilal advance to the round of 16 with:
- Win against Pachuca AND Real Madrid loss to RB Salzburg OR RB Salzburg loss to Real Madrid
Pachuca: Eliminated from the competition
Predicted Score
Real Madrid`s attack comes to life, as they top the group and enter the knockout stage with momentum. Real Madrid 3, RB Salzburg 1.
