Alexander-Arnold Eyes Redemption as Real Madrid Face Pachuca in Crucial Showdown
Real Madrid must bounce back with a strong performance against Pachuca to claim their inaugural triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Spanish giants could only manage a draw in Xabi Alonso's first match as head coach. The team was held to a 1-1 stalemate by Al Hilal, with academy graduate Gonzalo García netting their solitary strike.
The display was disappointing in multiple aspects of their play. Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a forgettable first outing, Fede Valverde squandered a crucial spot-kick that could have sealed victory, and Vinícius Júnior struggled to make his mark without Kylian Mbappé, who remains sidelined due to hospitalization for gastroenteritis.
Besides Mbappé, Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal continue to be out of action. This creates opportunities for Dean Huijsen, Alexander-Arnold and potentially Arda Güler to cement their positions in Alonso's starting formation, though they must deliver against Pachuca.
This is how Real Madrid's starting eleven might appear when they face the Mexican outfit on June 22.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Pachuca (4-2-3-1)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—The Belgian goalkeeper will aim to replicate his FIFA Intercontinental Cup showing where he maintained a shutout against Pachuca.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—The ex-Liverpool defender displayed moments of quality with the ball during his Madrid bow but otherwise underwhelmed. He'll be determined to deliver an improved display in his second outing.
CB: Raúl Asencio—The Spanish defender gave away the decisive penalty that cost Real Madrid maximum points versus Al Hilal. However, Asencio remains Alonso's top choice alongside Huijsen, given the absence of Rüdiger, Alaba and Militão.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Huijsen impressed during his Madrid debut. The central defender was Los Blancos' standout defensive performer and appeared comfortable despite limited training time with his new teammates.
LB: Fran García—Given Mendy's injury status, Fran García stands as Alonso's sole left-back option with senior experience. Madrid had hoped to secure Álvaro Carreras from Benfica for this tournament but couldn't finalize the deal.
DM: Fede Valverde—The Uruguayan midfielder seeks redemption following his penalty miss in the dying moments against Al Hilal.
DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—Tchouaméni has emerged as a crucial figure for Real Madrid and may find himself deployed in a three-man defense as the competition progresses.
RW: Arda Güler—Güler's impactful substitute appearance against Al Hilal secures his place in Alonso's starting lineup. The 20-year-old generated the highest number of chances (3) despite featuring only in the second period.
AM: Jude Bellingham—The English midfielder was subdued on Wednesday and seemed uncomfortable alongside Vinícius Júnior in attack. A return to his preferred playmaker role could enhance Bellingham's influence.
LW: Vinícius Júnior—The Brazilian winger has scored only twice in his previous 15 outings for Real Madrid. Los Blancos require greater output from Vinícius if they hope to advance far in the FIFA Club World Cup.
ST: Gonzalo García—The 21-year-old forward is set for his eighth appearance in the famous white jersey. García was potentially Real Madrid's top performer against Al Hilal and deserves another chance to spearhead the attack.