A fixture resembling past Champions League finals is set for Tuesday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium as Real Madrid faces Juventus in the Club World Cup round of 16. Real Madrid experienced a difficult start to the competition, drawing with Al-Hilal, but subsequently secured the top position in Group H with solid victories over Pachuca and Salzburg. Federico Valverde netted two goals, signaling the positive impact of Xabi Alonso`s tactical adjustments.
Juventus`s beginning in the tournament was even more impressive, marked by decisive wins against Al Ain and Wydad Casablanca, leading some observers to consider the Old Lady as potential dark horses. However, such aspirations were tempered by a heavy 5-2 defeat against Manchester City. Coach Igor Tudor may argue that he deployed a heavily rotated squad, with an eye on a potential encounter with Madrid in the subsequent round. This upcoming match will determine if that strategic gamble in Orlando was effective.
The Italian side will undoubtedly be the underdogs against Madrid. However, this Club World Cup tie could potentially deviate from the pattern of their numerous high-stakes Champions League meetings. The question remains: can the Bianconeri finally exact revenge for their losses in the 1998 and 2017 finals?
Past Meetings
This upcoming game marks the 22nd encounter between Juventus and Real Madrid, who have previously only met in the European Cup and Champions League. Real Madrid holds the superior record in head-to-head matches, having won 11 times and losing only two. Crucially, they triumphed in the two most significant matches: a 1-0 victory in Amsterdam in 1998 secured their first European Cup in 32 years, and a dominant 4-1 win in Cardiff in 2017. Their most recent clashes occurred in the following season`s quarterfinals, where Cristiano Ronaldo`s spectacular bicycle kick contributed to a 3-0 first-leg win, providing the holders enough advantage to withstand a spirited comeback attempt 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: Had Juventus exercised more patience in the summer of 2024, Dean Huijsen might have been playing for them in the Club World Cup. Instead, they capitalized on the Spain international, who was originally signed for their Under-17s and sold to Bournemouth for approximately $20 million. Twelve months later, the Cherries more than tripled their investment as Huijsen moved to Real Madrid, where he appears to have quickly adapted. Unfortunately for Juventus, the same cannot be said for the former Bournemouth player they acquired that summer, Lloyd Kelly, who has yet to excel since his move to Italy.
Storyline to Watch
Rodrygo`s Role: With potential suitors reportedly interested in Real Madrid players, it becomes increasingly uncertain how Rodrygo fits into the picture. If the 3-5-2 system recently employed by Alonso is here to stay, it`s difficult to see where the Brazilian fits into the preferred starting eleven, particularly with Trent Alexander-Arnold seemingly established in the right wing-back position where Rodrygo might otherwise feature. Having played less than 90 minutes so far, will Rodrygo get an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities in this important fixture?
Prediction
Neither team has been particularly spectacular in the Club World Cup thus far. However, Real Madrid possesses the inherent quality that suggests they can step up when needed. They should be able to secure a victory in this match.
PICK: Real Madrid 2, Juventus 0
