Real Madrid Clash with Juventus: Expert Analysis, Bold Predictions and Expected Starting XIs

Real Madrid and Juventus are set to meet in a competitive match outside the Champions League/European Cup for the very first time, as both teams battle for a place in the Club World Cup quarterfinals this Tuesday evening.

Their last encounter was filled with drama, when Juventus mounted an incredible comeback from a 3-0 first-leg loss in Madrid to level their 2017-18 Champions League quarterfinal tie, only for a controversial late penalty to give Los Blancos the opportunity to advance to the semifinals. Cristiano Ronaldo converted from twelve yards.

More than seven years have passed since these two European powerhouses last clashed.

Juventus qualified for the knockout phase of this tournament despite suffering a heavy defeat to Manchester City in their final group match. Nevertheless, convincing victories against Al Ain and Wydad AC had already secured their progression to the round of 16.

Madrid, on the other hand, began their tournament journey—and their era under Xabi Alonso—with a 1-1 stalemate against Al Hilal. However, the Spanish club has shown marked improvement since then, and a commanding 3-0 win over RB Salzburg on the final matchday secured them the Group H title.

Alonso hopes to guide the 15-time European champions to their sixth Club World Cup title in the United States this summer, though they face a challenging path to the final, beginning with Tuesday's marquee encounter.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this round of 16 showdown at the Club World Cup.

What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Juventus Kick-Off?

Real Madrid vs. Juventus Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Juventus on TV, Live Stream

Real Madrid Team News

Kylian Mbappé has not participated in the Club World Cup thus far due to gastroenteritis, though the French star has been discharged from hospital and participated in training before Tuesday's knockout match. Nevertheless, Gonzalo García has performed admirably as Madrid's striker during this period, and the promising Spaniard is expected to maintain his starting position against Juventus.

The injury situation remains largely unchanged, with David Alaba sidelined for the remainder of the tournament. Alonso is also missing Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy.

The new coach effectively implemented a three-man defense against Salzburg following Raúl Asencio's red card in the second group match, and a similar formation could be utilized in Miami. Antonio Rüdiger may also feature despite his substitution in the previous game, as the German defender was only suffering from muscle cramps.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Juventus

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Juventus (3-5-2): Courtois; Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Huijsen; Alexander-Arnold, Valverde; Güler, Bellingham, F. García; G. García, Vinícius Júnior

Juventus Team News

Tudor's team selection against Manchester City raised eyebrows, as several of Juventus' standout performers from their opening two matches were either benched or omitted entirely.

Randal Kolo Muani, Khephren Thuram, Kenan Yildiz, and Andrea Cambiaso are guaranteed to return to the Bianconeri starting eleven in Miami.

Juventus has avoided injury concerns during their time in the United States this summer, although promising fullback Juan Cabal was unable to join the squad for the tournament due to an ACL injury.

Juventus Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Juventus predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (3-4-3): Di Gregorio; Savona, Kelly, Kalulu; Costa, Thuram, Locatelli, Cambiaso; Conceição, Kolo Muani, Yildiz.

Real Madrid vs. Juventus Score Prediction

Alonso's Madrid displayed impressive form against Salzburg, with the Spanish manager's tactical influence becoming increasingly evident after a tentative tournament start. They face a Juventus side that began their campaign in spectacular fashion but enter the knockout rounds following a comprehensive defeat.

Their 5-4-1 defensive structure was systematically dismantled by Pep Guardiola's methodical Manchester City, but they will draw confidence from the return of several crucial players to Tudor's starting lineup on Tuesday.

While Juventus will undoubtedly improve from their recent setback, the momentum appears to favor the Spanish side heading into this high-profile clash.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Juventus