Club World Cup to offer first Real test for Alonso

Incoming Madrid boss looks to salvage club's season with new-look side

Updated: 2025-06-13 10:47

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Real Madrid has pedigree in the Intercontinental Cup, the predecessor to the Club World Cup, narrowly losing the 2000 final in Tokyo to Argentine side Boca Juniors. Since the 1960s, the champions of Europe and South America's major club tournaments have contested some memorable battles in the competition, a tradition FIFA hopes will continue in its newly-expanded intercontinental club showpiece. AFP

Alonso's team then faces Austria's RB Salzburg in Philadelphia on June 26 in their final group game.

Al-Hilal may be a tougher proposition than many expect, having recently appointed Simone Inzaghi as coach after he guided Inter Milan to the Champions League final.

With a squad full of well-known names, including Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo and Kalidou Koulibaly, Al-Hilal will believe it can cause an upset.

Pachuca has former Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon leading the line, but is seen as the weakest team in the group.

Madrid beat it 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup last December, with Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior all on target.

Real also thrashed Salzburg 5-1 in January in the Champions League group phase, before the record 15-time winner was dumped out by Arsenal in the quarterfinals.

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