A key European clash will take place as Group H of the Club World Cup reaches its conclusion on Thursday. RB Salzburg and Real Madrid are set to face each other, with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the round of 16.
Both sides currently sit level on four points, two clear of third-placed Al-Hilal. Real Madrid holds the top spot based on tiebreakers. The most straightforward path sees both European teams advancing, but the tight nature of Group H means a loss for either Salzburg or Real Madrid would require Pachuca (who are already eliminated) to defeat Al-Hilal for the losing European side to qualify.
The Spanish giants are considered the favorites to win the match and top the group as Xabi Alonso`s early period in charge continues. His first two matches have been eventful, starting with a somewhat sluggish 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal, followed by a 3-1 victory over Pachuca after Raul Asencio received a red card in the seventh minute. Asencio will be suspended for Thursday`s game. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe`s recovery from gastroenteritis remains a key talking point.
How to Watch RB Salzburg vs. Real Madrid
- Date: Thursday, June 26
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Group H Qualification Scenarios
Real Madrid will advance to the round of 16 if:
- They win or draw against RB Salzburg.
- They lose to RB Salzburg AND Al-Hilal draw or lose to Pachuca.
RB Salzburg will advance to the round of 16 if:
- They win or draw against Real Madrid.
- They lose to Real Madrid AND Al-Hilal lose to Pachuca.
Al-Hilal will advance to the round of 16 if:
- They win against Pachuca AND Real Madrid lose to RB Salzburg OR RB Salzburg lose to Real Madrid.
Pachuca: Have been eliminated from the competition.
Predicted Starting Lineups
RB Salzburg: Christian Zawieschitzky, Stefan Lainer, Joane Gadou, Jacob Rasmussen, Frans Kratzig, Mads Bidstrup, Soumaila Diabate, Nene Dorgeles, Oscar Gloukh, Edmund Baidoo, Karim Onisiwo
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior
Player to Watch
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid: Despite ongoing discussions about the attack, Xabi Alonso has maintained consistency in his initial lineups, particularly by giving Jude Bellingham a prominent role in midfield. Bellingham is expected to be crucial on Thursday as Real Madrid aims to reach the round of 16. He recently scored his first goal under Alonso in the 3-1 win over Pachuca, helping to secure the victory after the early red card.
Storyline to Watch
Will Kylian Mbappe or Rodrygo Feature?: Alonso may provide an update late Wednesday regarding Mbappe`s availability, which has been uncertain since he left the hospital last week. The World Cup winner did not travel for Sunday`s match against Pachuca but has reportedly returned to training with Real Madrid. However, his likelihood of playing on Thursday remains unclear.
Regardless of Mbappe`s status, questions persist about Alonso`s forward line for Thursday`s match and beyond. Rodrygo made his first appearance since the Copa del Rey final in the draw with Al-Hilal, which seemed to signal his future at the club was secure. Yet, he did not start the subsequent game against Pachuca, reigniting uncertainty. Whether he returns to the lineup against Salzburg, or if academy player Gonzalo Garcia will get another starting opportunity and the attention that comes with it, is perhaps the most significant question leading up to the game.
Prediction
Regardless of how Alonso sets up his Real Madrid side, they possess the quality to secure a comfortable win against Salzburg, especially after a disciplined and effective performance with ten men against Pachuca. While it`s premature to expect the team to be operating at peak efficiency under Alonso, their talented squad should be sufficient for a relatively straightforward victory.
Predicted Score: RB Salzburg 1, Real Madrid 2
Dominic Ashworth