Real Madrid Face Attacking Puzzle as Alonso Weighs Options Against Borussia Dortmund
Revitalized under Xabi Alonso's leadership, Real Madrid are pursuing a place in the semifinals of this summer's Club World Cup tournament.
They comfortably dispatched Juventus in the round of 16, and now face another European challenger in Borussia Dortmund - a club Alonso became well-acquainted with during his impressive stint managing Bayer Leverkusen.
Los Blancos have also faced BVB in consecutive campaigns, notably triumphing over the German outfit in the 2024 UEFA Champions League final. Significant changes have occurred since that memorable Wembley evening, and Niko Kovač's squad is constructed to disrupt the possession-based approach Alonso prefers through swift counter-attacking play.
Here's how Madrid might set up for Saturday's Club World Cup quarterfinal clash.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Borussia Dortmund (3-5-2)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—The Belgian goalkeeper had a relatively peaceful match against Juventus previously, securing his second clean sheet of the competition.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger—Despite making a crucial tactical adjustment at the interval in the last 16, Alonso deployed Rüdiger as one of his wide center-backs initially. This position suits him better than the central role in a back three, allowing him greater freedom to be proactive.
CB: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The French midfielder appears to be a crucial component for Alonso, as this Madrid side is expected to transition between three and four-man defensive setups. Tchouaméni's versatility allows him to fulfill various functions under the new coach, and he may keep his defensive position despite Raúl Asencio's availability after suspension.
CB: Dean Huijsen—The recent signing has been a consistent presence throughout the tournament and will continue in Alonso's defensive line.
RWB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—The ex-Liverpool fullback registered his maiden goal contribution for his new team in the previous match, delivering the cross that Gonzalo García converted past Michele Di Gregorio.
CM: Federico Valverde—The tireless Uruguayan delivered an outstanding performance against Juventus, with his new boss drawing parallels to his former colleague Steven Gerrard. Valverde boasts a strong scoring record in this tournament.
CM: Arda Güler—Alonso clearly has faith in the promising Turkish talent, who saw limited action under Carlo Ancelotti's management. This summer has proven highly beneficial for Güler's development.
CM: Jude Bellingham—Bellingham has been a regular fixture in Madrid's midfield during the competition, finding the net on Matchday 2. He would have relished facing his sibling at MetLife, but Jobe is unavailable due to suspension.
LWB: Fran García—García has featured prominently in the United States this summer with Ferland Mendy sidelined through injury, and Alonso is expected to maintain consistency on the left flank.
ST: Gonzalo García—While Kylian Mbappé has overcome his illness and appeared in the round of 16, it would be unfair to bench García considering his impressive tournament performances.
ST: Vinícius Júnior—Viní Jr has a particular fondness for matches against Borussia Dortmund. The Brazilian forward scored in the Champions League final two years prior and netted a treble in their most recent encounter last October. Kovač's defense contains some players who struggle with pace.