Real Madrid continues its journey towards the Club World Cup final with another tough test against Borussia Dortmund, whom they will face this Saturday in the quarter-final match at 10 p.m. in New York. It is another do-or-die round in which only a win will do for a team under construction like Xabi Alonso’s, who knows their opponents well. It is another opportunity for the coach to continue implementing and perfecting his new system, with the biggest dilemma for this match being whether Mbappé will return to the starting lineup.
How Real Madrid are shaping up
After a group stage in which Real Madrid started hesitantly but finished strongly and with a good feeling, the Whites won by the narrowest of margins against Juventus, but left a good impression, especially in the second half, when Gonzalo García scored with a perfect header from a cross by Trent to score a crucial goal for his team.
The team’s good performance is largely due to the good work of coach Xabi Alonso, who has brought intensity to the team and whose tactical adjustments throughout the games have made the team perform outstandingly. Correcting a bad game on the fly is something that has not happened all season, where Ancelotti was ineffective.
The absences and the big question mark for Xabi Alonso
The big question for Xabi Alonso is whether to keep Gonzalo García in the starting lineup, who scored another crucial goal, or bring in Kylian Mbappé, who is not known to be 100% physically fit after suffering from acute gastroenteritis. Everything points to the Frenchman’s experience prevailing over a young player who is on a roll and will continue to be a key player, although he may come off the bench. Those who are still unavailable are Alaba, Endrick, and Mendy. Camavinga has returned to the team but is doubtful.
Possible Real Madrid XI
Goalkeeper
- Thibaut Courtois
Defenders
- Fran García
- Antonio Rudiger
- Dean Huijsen
- Trent Alexander – Arnold
Midfielders
- Aurélien Tchouaméni
- Arda Güler
- “Fede” Valverde
- Jude Bellingham
Forwards
- Kylian Mbappé
- Vinicius Jr.
A Borussia side that scraped through
Real Madrid’s opponent in the quarterfinals came out of a match between Borussia and Sergio Ramos’ Monterrey. The Mexicans were eliminated 2-1 by a German side that was more effective but was under pressure throughout the second half. Rayados dominated the Germans and came close to getting the result, but lacked the finishing touch. Jude Bellingham’s brother will not be in the quarterfinals after receiving his second yellow card. Schlotterbeck and Gittens will also be missing.
Possible Borussia XI
Goalkeeper: Kobel
Defenders: Sule, Anton, Bensebaini
Midfielders: Ryerson, Nmecha, Gross, Svensson
Forwards: Sabitzer, Guirassy, Adeyemi