Real Madrid finds themselves at a key inflection point in their fate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. They’re getting ready for a scintillating first-leg contest against Austrian side, Red Bull Salzburg. The match will take place on Thursday, June 26, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, United States, kicking off at 9 PM local time (01:00 GMT on Friday, June 27). Under current Coach Xabi Alonso, Real Sociedad operates with a crystal clear objective. The crew is focused on making it through the group stage of the tournament into the knockout stage.
The stakes are high for both sides heading into this crucial Group H clash. Real Madrid have never lost a Club World Cup final and hold the all-time record for most titles with five. As of now, they are riding a wave of confidence on the heels of three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Red Bull Salzburg have put together six matchweeks, but with two victories, two defeats, and two draws.
Team Updates and Lineups
Real Madrid’s lineup will be markedly different in this important fixture. They will be without midfielder Marco Asensio, who saw red in their last game vs Pachuca. Kylian Mbappe has returned to training but is out with gastroenteritis. The probable lineup for Real Madrid includes goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Huijsen, and F Garcia, midfielders Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham, along with forwards Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr., and Mbappe.
Red Bull Salzburg’s starting lineup will include Zawieschitzky in net, a back line of Lainer, Gadou, Ramussen, and Kratzig. In the midfield, they will deploy Bidstrup and Diabate, while Nene and Gloukh will support forwards Onisiwo and Baidoo in attack. Each squad will be hungry to prove it’s the stronger side as the two meet in an important battle with big postseason implications.
Recent Performances
Real Madrid has shown character in their last games to inflict painful losses on back-to-back opponents. Their last match saw them secure a 3-1 victory against Pachuca, thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Federico Valverde. Though this performance has increased their confidence, they hope to continue building momentum as they look to make a deep run in the tournament.
RB Salzburg will be eager to avoid another disappointing run. Both teams are coming off a complicated string of results and both will be eager to start making improvements. Though they have won three of their last five matches, two recent losses have added to concerns about the team’s overall consistency and stability. They will have to put in a very impressive performance if they’re to get anything against a strong Real Madrid side. Only then can they truly stay in contention for their deep run in the tournament.
Implications of the Match
A draw in this contest secures Real Madrid a place in the top two of Group H. This outcome will ensure their advancement to the knockout rounds of the Club World Cup. Given their history as record winners of the tournament, this match represents an opportunity for Real Madrid to assert their dominance once again.
Red Bull Salzburg is on the wrong end of the equation, needing a win at all costs. They will be eager to take advantage of any weaknesses shown by Los Blancos. Both sides are extremely hungry to secure their place at the corporate table – or oust an unwanted usurper from third place. On paper, this should be an amazing matchup!
