Real Madrid's Path to Club World Cup Knockout Stages Revealed
The Xabi Alonso chapter has begun in America, though Real Madrid's presence at the Club World Cup carries a familiar feel.
With the fresh coach having been in position for just a few weeks, a complete transformation from Carlo Ancelotti's relaxed management style hasn't emerged under challenging circumstances, yet promising moments have certainly appeared.
Even with South American teams dominating the competition and Madrid showing their own weaknesses, Alonso's squad continues to be among the top contenders for victory in New Jersey next month. Nevertheless, the Spanish giants haven't yet secured their passage to the round of 16.
Here's what they need on the third matchday of group play to secure their knockout stage berth.
Club World Cup Group H Table
Pos. | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal Diff. | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Real Madrid | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +2 | 4 |
2. | Salzburg | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
3. | Al Hilal | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
4. | Pachuca | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 0 |
How Real Madrid Can Secure First Place in Group H
Raul Asencio's quick dismissal made things difficult for Real Madrid in Charlotte against Pachuca, yet some smooth offensive plays helped them establish a 2–0 advantage at halftime before Federico Valverde netted a third goal after the break. Their 3–1 victory combined with Salzburg's stalemate against Al Hilal puts Alonso's team at the summit of Group H with one fixture left.
Both they and Salzburg hold four points before their encounter, meaning a victory on the final matchday guarantees their progression to the last 16 as group champions.
A stalemate ensures they'll finish ahead of the Austrian team and will suffice to claim top spot if Al Hilal cannot overcome Pachuca. Should the Saudi club, who managed a 1–1 tie with Madrid on the opening matchday, secure victory, a goal-filled draw (1–1 or better) for Los Blancos to wrap up group play will keep them first.
How Real Madrid Can Claim Second Place in Group H
Madrid, who defeated Salzburg 5–2 in the league phase of the 2024–25 Champions League, will advance to the knockout rounds provided they don't lose their concluding group match.
They'll claim the runner-up position if Salzburg defeats them and the already ousted Pachuca manages a result against Simone Inzaghi's Al Hilal.
Should the Saudi champions prevail and Madrid draws 0–0 with Salzburg, Los Blancos will finish second if Inzaghi's team wins by three goals or more on the final matchday.
Who Will Real Madrid Meet in the Club World Cup Round of 16?
Manchester City and Juventus have already confirmed their knockout stage places before their clash later this week.
Juventus currently leads the group on goals scored, so a favorable outcome for them against City means they'll claim Group G and meet the second-place finisher from Madrid's group. Los Blancos might end up second, though topping the group appears more probable.
Currently, Madrid would meet the Citizens in the round of 16, but Juventus will become their next adversaries if the Italians lose on the final matchday, and Alonso's side overcomes Salzburg.