Real Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup today in what promises to be a tightly contested clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Kick-off is at 9 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1), and fans can catch the action live for free on the DAZN website and app.
Kylian Mbappé, who made his Club World Cup debut in the last round with a brief 22-minute appearance, could be in line for a starting role. Real manager Xabi Alonso must decide whether to start the Frenchman or continue with in-form striker Gonzalo Garcia, who has scored three goals in four appearances at the tournament.
Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are back in the squad after recovering from injury, but the Spanish coach may be reluctant to disrupt a winning formula, particularly after the narrow 1–0 victory over Juventus in the Round of 16.
Madrid arrive in the quarter-finals on the back of a solid campaign so far. They topped their group with a 1–1 draw against Al Hilal, followed by victories over Pachuca and RB Salzburg. The knockout win over Juventus was less flamboyant but underlined Madrid’s ability to manage games with control and efficiency.
Dortmund, meanwhile, have taken the scenic route. A goalless draw against Fluminense opened their tournament before a dramatic 4–3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns and a narrow 1–0 win against Ulsan Hyundai sealed top spot in their group. They were tested again in the last 16, edging past Mexican side Monterrey 2–1.
Key to Dortmund’s hopes is striker Serhou Guirassy, who has been in prolific form, including a brace in the last round. Behind him, Jobe Bellingham and Julian Brandt provide creativity, while manager Niko Kovač has brought a disciplined structure to a side that continues to grow in confidence.
Predicted Lineups:
Real Madrid (3-5-2): Courtois – Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Huijsen – Alexander-Arnold, Güler, Valverde, Bellingham, Fran García – Gonzalo García , Vinícius Jr
Dortmund (3-4-2-1) Kobel – Süle, Anton, Bensebaini – Ryerson, Nmecha, Gross, Svensson – Brandt, Adeyemi – Guirassy.
Score Prediction:
Real Madrid, with their depth, experience and unbeaten form under Alonso, will enter the match as favourites. However, Dortmund’s attacking intent and underdog spirit give them every chance of producing an upset. With a place in the semi-finals at stake, both sides are expected to approach the tie with caution – but it may take a flash of brilliance, or a moment of composure, to settle the outcome.
MWN says Real Madrid 2-0 Dortmund
