Real Madrid and Juventus are set to meet in the Club World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium, a clash reminiscent of past Champions League finals. Real Madrid secured the top spot in Group H after a shaky start, drawing with Al-Hilal before registering solid wins against Pachuca and Salzburg. Federico Valverde`s two goals were key as Xabi Alonso`s tactical tweaks started taking effect.
Juventus began their tournament campaign impressively with dominant victories over Al Ain and Wydad Casablanca, leading some to consider them potential dark horses. However, this optimism was tempered by a heavy 5-2 defeat to Manchester City. Coach Igor Tudor used a significantly rotated squad in that match, possibly anticipating the upcoming game against Madrid. The outcome of this match will reveal if that strategic rotation was successful.
The Italian side enters this match as clear underdogs against Madrid, but this encounter could break from the pattern of their previous high-stakes Champions League ties. Could this be the moment the Bianconeri finally avenge their defeats in the 1998 and 2017 finals?
Past Meetings
This marks the 22nd competitive meeting between Juventus and Real Madrid, with all prior encounters taking place in the European Cup or Champions League. Real Madrid has the historical advantage, winning 11 times compared to Juventus`s two victories. Significantly, Madrid triumphed in their most important clashes: a 1-0 win in the 1998 final secured their first European Cup in 32 years, followed by a dominant 4-1 victory in the 2017 final. Their last meetings were in the 2018 quarterfinals, where Cristiano Ronaldo`s memorable bicycle kick helped seal a 3-0 first-leg win, providing Madrid just enough cushion to withstand Juventus`s spirited comeback in the second leg.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dean Huijsen; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Fran Garcia; Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior
Juventus: Michele Di Gregorio; Pierre Kalulu, Nicolo Savona, Lloyd Kelly; Alberto Costa, Weston McKennie, Khephren Thuram, Andrea Cambiaso; Francisco Conceicao, Kenan Yildiz; Randal Kolo Muani
Player to Watch
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid: An interesting point of focus is Dean Huijsen, who might have been playing for Juventus in this tournament had they retained him longer. Juventus signed the current Spain international for their U17 squad but sold him to Bournemouth for approximately $20 million. A year later, Bournemouth significantly profited, selling Huijsen to Real Madrid, where he seems to be integrating quickly. Conversely, the player Juventus acquired from Bournemouth that same summer, Lloyd Kelly, has reportedly struggled to find his form in Italy.
Storyline to Watch
Whither Rodrygo? With speculation surrounding Real Madrid players, Rodrygo`s place in the squad is becoming less clear. If Xabi Alonso continues utilizing the 3-5-2 formation recently favored, it`s difficult to envision where the Brazilian forward fits into the primary lineup, especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold seemingly securing the right wing-back role where Rodrygo might otherwise be used. Having played less than 90 minutes recently, will Rodrygo be given an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities in this significant match?
Prediction
Neither side has truly shone in the Club World Cup yet, but Real Madrid possesses the quality to turn things around. They are expected to secure the win here.
PICK: Real Madrid 2, Juventus 0