Real Madrid is very clear that its objective for tonight’s match against Salzburg is to win and finish first in the group. The Whites depend on themselves to qualify for the round of 16, but with a victory, they would not have to worry about what Al Hilal does against a Pachuca team that has already been eliminated. Juventus or Manchester City, who will play just before to decide who finishes first and second, are the possible opponents for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Group H standings and Real Madrid’s options
Real Madrid’s progress in the tournament has gone from strength to strength and this match is expected to be the culmination of Xabi Alonso’s ideas. In the first match of the tournament, the Whites could not get past a draw against Al Hilal in a match that was more of the same as during the season with Ancelotti. Against Pachuca, Xabi Alonso’s concepts were more evident, despite being a man down from the 7th minute after Asencio’s sending off. With Courtois in fine form between the sticks, the team won 3-1.
With that victory, the Whites moved into first place in Group H with four points, level with tonight’s opponents Salzburg. Below them are Al Hilal with two points and Pachuca, who are already out of the tournament with zero points. Last Sunday’s win against Pachuca means that Real Madrid’s fate is in their own hands going into the final matchday. A draw would be enough, but they will have to keep an eye on the Arab side’s result, while a win for Xabi Alonso’s side would guarantee them top spot. The only way they could be knocked out of the tournament would be if they lost and Simon Inzaghi’s side beat the Mexican side.
Xabi Alonso’s absences
Despite returning to training on the pitch, Mbappé will not be available for the match, as confirmed by Xabi Alonso in his press conference. “I was happy to see him on the pitch, he looked good, but not good enough to play tomorrow. Not at the level we’re going to need. He prefers to be available for the round of 16. He’s in the recovery process.” Mbappé’s latest absence adds to that of Asencio, who is suspended, and the rest of the injured players. The coach will not be able to call on Militao, Carvajal, Camavinga, Mendy, Endrick, Alaba, Mbappé, and Asencio.
Real Madrid squad
The squad for the match is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, and Fran González.
Defenders: Trent, Lucas Vázquez, Fran García, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Youssef, and Jacobo Ramón.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Valverde, Modric, Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Ceballos, Chema, and Mario Martín.
Forwards: Vinicius, Rodrygo, Brahim, Gonzalo, and Víctor Muñoz.
Possible Real Madrid starting XI
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Fran García, Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Trent
Midfielders: Tchouaméni, Valverde and Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Vinicius, Arda Güler and Gonzalo
A Salzburg with many signings
Salzburg has been the liveliest team in the transfer market with five signings. Defenders Jacob Rasmussen, Amar Dedic, Stefan Lainer and midfielders Sota Kitano and Frans Krätzig.
Possible Salzburg starting XI: Zawieschitzky; Lainer, Gadou, Rasmussen, Krätzig; Bidstrup, Diabaté, Nene, Gloukh; Baidoo and Onisiwo.