Real Madrid vs Al Hilal Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Club World Cup

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal Preview

Tournament: FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Date: 18th June, 2025

Kick-off time: 7:00 PM (GMT)

Venue: Hard Rock Stadium

Real Madrid kicks things off in the Club World Cup with a star-studded squad. From a new manager's tenure to showcasing the new signings, Thursday's fixture comes with multiple objectives for the Los Blancos, with the priority of earning the important 3 points.

On the other hand, a new philosophy in Al Hilal with the arrival of Simone Inzaghi promises a lot for the club. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will also be the Italian manager's first test. The Saudi side has been training rigorously for the tournament and this important fixture, so Real can expect a tough competition from the Blue Waves.

Even after winning the Intercontinental Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, Madrid's 2024-25 campaign will be considered a failure by the fans and the club hierarchy. Ex-manager Carlo Ancelotti has certainly left the Spanish manager a decent start with the squad, in addition to Perez adding some big names to the team.

As things stand, the Los Blancos are the favorites to lead the group. But Inzaghi's task of helping Al Hilal reach back to the top starts with the same campaign as Xabi Alonso. Due to the tactical prowess of both managers, the match will promise an end-to-end action from both sides.

As per the recent form across all competitions, Real Madrid are coming into the fixture with two losses and four wins. On the other hand, Al Hilal are coming into the fixture with four wins, one draw, and one loss.

Real Madrid Team News

Even after being ruled out due to injury, the likes of Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga have travelled with the squad. Moreover, Rudiger is still out with his meniscus injury suffered back in April.

Both of their star signings, Dean Huijsen and Trent, are expected to make their debut for the club, while the Brazilian forward is set to miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Real Madrid can expect their star forward Kylian Mbappe to keep up his momentum and cause all sorts of problems for the Al Hilal defenders.

Al Hilal Team News

The team will be welcoming a new philosophy in the locker room and is expected to adjust to Inzaghi's 3-5-2 approach. While it may require some time to be up to speed with the Italian manager, they had enough time to put up a good show against Real Madrid. As things stand, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hassan Tambakti both are expected to be a feature along with Ali Al-Bulayhi.

While João Cancelo's fitness is still a question, he should be able to make the squad. Bono should take his spot on the goal line. A lot of expectations are riding on Aleksandar Mitrovic as well, who will be the star man forward.

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Courtois

Defenders: Trent, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia

Midfielders: Valverde, Bellingham, Tchouameni

Forwards: Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

Al Hilal predicted lineup (3-5-2)

Goalkeeper: Bono

Defenders: Tambakti, Koulibaly, Al-Bulayhi

Midfielders: Cancelo, Kanno, Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, Al-Dawsari

Forwards: Malcom, Mitrovic

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal H2H Record

Apart from their meeting on 19th June, 2025, Real Madrid and Al Hilal only faced each other once, and it was a result that hints toward another end-to-end goal-scoring action for the fans:

Key players to watch in Real Madrid vs Al Hilal

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Ever since his arrival from Paris, Kylian Mbappe has been in fine form for Real Madrid. Despite many considering an off-season, the Frenchman has 43 goals and 5 assists in 56 appearances for the club. Even though Real Madrid had an underwhelming season in 2024-25, Mbappe's numbers have been of the best across all competitions. Looking at his numbers, the Frenchman had a great debut season for Los Blancos, and his tally has earned him the European Golden Boot Award. Safe to say, he will be bringing that momentum to the Club World Cup for his team, which wants to win the competition at any cost.

Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal)

If we are talking about a player that the squad can trust, it is Salem Al Dawsari. And it is nothing new for the midfielder as he has been a consistent member in the squad season after season, and he only improves as he plays. He will especially thrive in Simone Inzaghi's 3-5-2 system. Moreover, his consistency is an asset for this team. Be it helping with build-up or scoring the match winner, he will be a real threat to the newly-composed defense of Real Madrid. And if Al Hilal manages to win the midfield battle, which they should given the player overhaul, Salem Al Dawsari can cause a lot of trouble in the frontline, punishing the Los Blancos for the pocket spaces left behind by the midfield line.

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal Prediction

It will be the debut competition for both managers, who are known for their tactical prowess. Xabi Alonso, who has played in the league for years with the club, may have an advantage with the star-studded squad. But, Inzaghi's team brings the utmost tenacity to the table, and backed by their manager's intelligence, the squad can give Real a run for their money.

Due to their defensive records, we can expect a match full of goals. The recent record of Al Hilal, being in a five-match unbeaten run, can be advantageous for the Saudi side. However, if they do not have an answer for Kylian Mbappe, the match can get out of their hands in a matter of seconds.

Predicted score: Real Madrid 3-2 Al Hilal.

Where to watch Real Madrid vs Al Hilal Live?

Here are the channels you can tune into to watch Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: