Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal: 2025 FIFA CWC preview, predictions

Al-Hilal forward, Salem Aldawarsi in a tackle against Real Madrid’s midfielder, Federico Valverde. Photo Credit- AFC

Real Madrid, the 15-time European champions, open their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 8:00 PM (2:00 AM BST, June 19) in a Group H clash that marks the debut of Xabi Alonso as Los Blancos’ manager. This match, pitting the Spanish powerhouse against a star-studded Saudi side, promises an intriguing blend of European pedigree and Middle Eastern ambition. This piece is set to explore both teams’ performances, tactics, team news, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.

Real Madrid performances

Real Madrid enter the tournament as favorites, having won the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December 2024 with a 3-0 victory over Pachuca, another Group H opponent. However, their 2024/25 La Liga season was disappointing, finishing as runners-up to Barcelona, 12 points adrift, and exiting the UEFA Champions League in the quarter finals to Arsenal. Despite the setbacks, Real Madrid’s attack remained potent, led by Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr contributed, though his form dropped late in the season, while Jude Bellingham adapted to a deeper midfield role. The arrival of Xabi Alonso, replacing Carlo Ancelotti in June 2025, has injected fresh optimism, with new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen bolstering the squad.

Real Madrid tactical analysis

Xabi Alonso has implemented a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing fluid attacking play and high pressing, drawing from his successful 3-4-2-1 system at Bayer Leverkusen. Jude Bellingham anchors the midfield alongside Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, providing defensive solidity and progressive passing. Mbappe leads the line, often drifting left to combine with Vinicius. Rodrygo completes the front three, though his starting spot is under scrutiny amid interest from Arsenal. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s arrival at right-back adds creativity. Defensively, Real Madrid’s injury-hit backline, led by Antonio Rudiger and new signing Huijsen, remains a concern. Alonso’s high defensive line could be vulnerable to Al-Hilal’s counter-attacks, but their attacking firepower should dominate possession.

Real Madrid team news and injuries

Real Madrid face a defensive injury crisis, with several key players doubtful or ruled out. Dani Carvajal (knee), Eder Militao (knee), David Alaba (ACL recovery), and Ferland Mendy (hamstring) traveled to the USA but are unlikely to feature. Rudiger, recovering from a meniscus injury since April, is a 50-50 call, while Eduardo Camavinga is also doubtful with a minor knock. Endrick, the young Brazilian forward, is out with a hamstring injury sustained in May 2025. New signings Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen are set to start, with Raul Asencio, an academy product, likely partnering Huijsen at center-back. Predicted Real Madrid XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Asencio, Fran Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.

Al-Hilal performances

Al-Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi since May 2025, finished the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League as runners-up to Al-Ittihad, scoring a league-high 95 goals in 34 matches. Their attacking prowess was driven by Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored 19 goals in 23 league appearances, and Salem Al-Dawsari, who added 14 goals and 8 assists. Al-Hilal’s run to the AFC Champions League semifinals in 2024/25, losing narrowly to Al-Ain, earned them their Club World Cup spot. Despite a strong domestic campaign, Al-Hilal failed to secure major signings in FIFA’s June transfer window, relying on existing stars like Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Kalidou Koulibaly. Posts on social media highlight Al-Hilal’s confidence, with fans citing their +54 goal difference as evidence of their attacking threat.

Al-Hilal tactical analysis

Simone Inzaghi, known for his 3-5-2 at Inter Milan, has adapted to a 4-3-3 at Al-Hilal to maximize their attacking options. Ruben Neves and Mohamed Kanno form a double pivot, with Milinkovic-Savic as a box-to-box No. 8. Mitrovic is the focal point up top, using his physicality to hold up play, while Al-Dawsari and Malcom provide width and flair, with Al-Dawsari’s dribbles a key threat. Defensively, Kalidou Koulibaly and Khalifah Al-Dawsari anchor the backline, supported by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who kept 12 clean sheets in 2024/25. Al-Hilal’s strategy will likely involve absorbing pressure and hitting on the break, exploiting Mitrovic’s aerial dominance and Al-Dawsari’s pace. However, their midfield lacks the dynamism to match Real Madrid’s intensity, and their goals concession in the Saudi Pro League suggest vulnerability against elite attacks.

Al-Hilal team news and injuries

Al-Hilal’s squad is largely fit, but Joao Cancelo is a major doubt after missing their last six matches with a calf injury. Hassan Tambakti is expected to feature at right-back if Cancelo is ruled out. No other significant injuries are reported, with Mitrovic, Neves, and Milinkovic-Savic confirmed to start. Inzaghi’s recent appointment means tactical tweaks are still bedding in, but the squad’s experience, including Koulibaly’s interceptions, to provide stability. Predicted Al-Hilal XI (4-3-3): Bounou; Tambakti, Koulibaly, Al-Bulaihi, Lodi; Neves, Kanno, Milinkovic-Savic; Malcom, Mitrovic, Al-Dawsari.

Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal head-to-head statistics

Real Madrid and Al-Hilal have met once competitively, in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final in Rabat, Morocco, where Real Madrid won 5-3 in a thrilling encounter. Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde scored twice each, with Karim Benzema adding one, while Al-Hilal’s goals came from Moussa Marega, Luciano Vietto, and an own goal. The match showcased Real Madrid’s attacking superiority but exposed defensive errors, something that persists in 2025. Al-Hilal’s three goals remain the most Real Madrid have conceded in a Club World Cup match.

Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal score prediction

Real Madrid are heavy favorites. The Opta supercomputer gives Real Madrid a 95.6% chance of advancing from Group H, with Al-Hilal at 0.3% to win the tournament. Real Madrid’s attacking trio of Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo, combined with Alexander-Arnold’s creativity, should overwhelm Al-Hilal’s defense. However, Al-Hilal’s attacking threat, led by Mitrovic, could exploit Real Madrid’s injury-hit backline. Alonso’s high-pressing style will likely dominate possession, but Al-Hilal’s counter-attacks may yield a consolation goal.

Predicted Scoreline: Real Madrid 3-1 Al-Hilal. The match should showcase Real Madrid’s superiority but highlight their defensive vulnerabilities, setting the tone for Alonso’s tenure. However, an alternative result could end in a 2-all draw.