The Club World Cup Group H comes to a close on Thursday with a crucial all-European encounter featuring RB Salzburg and Real Madrid. Both teams are battling for a spot in the round of 16.
Entering the final group match, both sides are tied on four points, two clear of third-place Al-Hilal. Real Madrid currently holds the top spot based on tiebreakers. The most straightforward path sees both European teams advancing. However, the tight nature of Group H means that if either Salzburg or Real Madrid suffer a loss, they would then need already-eliminated Pachuca to defeat Al-Hilal to guarantee their progression.
Real Madrid is considered the favorite by oddsmakers to secure a win and clinch the group, as Xabi Alonso`s early period managing the team continues. His first two matches have been eventful, starting with a somewhat lackluster 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal, followed by a 3-1 victory over Pachuca. That win was influenced by Raul Asencio`s seventh-minute red card for Pachuca; Asencio will be suspended for Thursday`s match. Meanwhile, the recovery status of Kylian Mbappe from gastroenteritis remains a significant talking point.
Group H Qualification Scenarios
Real Madrid progresses to the round of 16 with:
- A win or a draw against RB Salzburg.
- A loss to RB Salzburg AND Al-Hilal drawing or losing to Pachuca.
RB Salzburg progresses to the round of 16 with:
- A win or a draw against Real Madrid.
- A loss to Real Madrid AND Al-Hilal losing to Pachuca.
Al-Hilal progresses to the round of 16 with:
- A win against Pachuca AND Real Madrid losing to RB Salzburg OR RB Salzburg losing to Real Madrid.
Pachuca is 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: Even with ongoing discussions about the attack, Xabi Alonso has maintained consistency in his initial lineups, ensuring Jude Bellingham plays a central role in midfield. Bellingham is expected to be key on Thursday as Los Blancos aim to secure their place in the last 16. He recently scored his first goal under Alonso in the 3-1 win over Pachuca, contributing to building and defending a lead after an early red card.
Storyline to Watch
Will Kylian Mbappe or Rodrygo Feature?: Alonso may provide an update on Mbappe`s availability closer to the match, as his status has been uncertain since his hospitalization last week. While the World Cup winner did not travel for the match against Pachuca, reports indicate he has rejoined training. His likelihood of playing on Thursday remains unclear.
Regardless of Mbappe`s status, questions persist about Alonso`s forward selections. Rodrygo made his first appearance since the Copa del Rey final in the draw against Al-Hilal, seemingly indicating his secure future, yet he didn`t start against Pachuca, reigniting speculation. Whether he returns to the lineup against Salzburg, or if academy product Gonzalo Garcia will get another opportunity, is a significant question leading into the match.
Prediction
Regardless of how Xabi Alonso lines up his team, Real Madrid possesses the quality to achieve a comfortable win against Salzburg, especially following a disciplined performance while a man down against Pachuca. It`s still early in Alonso`s tenure to expect peak performance, but with their wealth of talent, particularly in attack, a relatively straightforward victory appears probable.
Predicted Score: RB Salzburg 1, Real Madrid 2
Adrian Whitmore