A critical European matchup takes center stage to conclude Group H at the Club World Cup on Thursday, as RB Salzburg and Real Madrid face off with both sides aiming for a place in the Round of 16.
Both teams currently sit level on four points, two ahead of third-place Al-Hilal. Real Madrid holds the tiebreaker advantage, putting them in first place going into the final matchday. The simplest scenario favors the two European clubs advancing. However, the tight standings in Group H mean that if either Salzburg or Real Madrid lose, they will need the already eliminated Pachuca to defeat Al-Hilal to guarantee their progression.
The Spanish side is favored by oddsmakers to win the match and top the group as Xabi Alonso`s early tenure continues. His first two matches have been notable: a somewhat flat 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal followed by a 3-1 victory over Pachuca after Raul Asencio received an early red card in the seventh minute. Asencio will be suspended for Thursday`s game. Meanwhile, the recovery of Kylian Mbappe following his hospitalization for gastroenteritis remains a key talking point.
Group H Qualification Scenarios
- Real Madrid advances to the Round of 16 with a win or draw against RB Salzburg.
- Real Madrid advances with a loss to RB Salzburg, *provided* Al-Hilal draws or loses to Pachuca.
- RB Salzburg advances to the Round of 16 with a win or draw against Real Madrid.
- RB Salzburg advances with a loss to Real Madrid, *provided* Al-Hilal loses to Pachuca.
- Al-Hilal advances to the Round of 16 with a win against Pachuca *and* Real Madrid loses to RB Salzburg *or* RB Salzburg loses to Real Madrid.
- Pachuca is eliminated from the competition.
Predicted Starting 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
Player to Watch
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid: While the attack is still under scrutiny, Alonso has kept several things consistent in his initial lineups, including giving Jude Bellingham a prominent role in midfield. Bellingham is expected to play a crucial part on Thursday as Los Blancos aim to secure their spot in the Round of 16. His importance was highlighted by scoring his first goal under Alonso in the 3-1 win over Pachuca, helping the team establish and defend a lead despite playing with 10 men early on.
Storyline to Watch
Will Kylian Mbappe or Rodrygo Play?: Alonso may provide an update on Mbappe`s availability later today. His status has been uncertain since being discharged from the hospital last week. The World Cup winner did not travel for the match against Pachuca but has since rejoined training with Real Madrid, though his likelihood of playing on Thursday remains unclear.
Regardless of Mbappe`s status, questions linger about the composition of Alonso`s frontline for Thursday and moving forward. Rodrygo made his first appearance for Real Madrid since the Copa del Rey final last week against Al-Hilal, suggesting his future might be secure. However, he did not start the subsequent match against Pachuca, reigniting those questions. Whether he returns to the starting lineup against Salzburg, or if academy product Gonzalo Garcia will get another start and the associated attention, is arguably the biggest question heading into the match.
Prediction
No matter how Alonso`s Real Madrid team lines up, they possess the quality to achieve a straightforward victory against Salzburg, especially after a pragmatic yet effective performance with 10 men against Pachuca. It is still early days under Alonso, and the team may not yet be operating at their absolute peak. However, with their star-studded attack and overall talent across the pitch, a relatively comfortable win seems probable.
Predicted Score: RB Salzburg 1, Real Madrid 2
