There is a big question mark on Xabi Alonso's tactics board as he prepares for Real Madrid's match against Pachuca, round 2 of Group H of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup .
An unknown that needs to be solved after an unsatisfactory debut, a 0-0 draw with Al Hilal. Whether Rodrygo or Arda Guler starts, that is the question.
Alonso aims for his first win. Photo: RMCF
Rodrygo and Guler are not the same. Therefore, the choice of the Brazilian player or the young Turkish talent will decide the formation and tactical operation.
Alonso leaned a little towards Rodrygo, after setting up youngster Gonzalo Garcia for a goal. However, Guler has the ability to change the tempo of the game, something Real Madrid are lacking.
Perhaps Alonso will give Rodrygo another chance – against Pachuca, against whom he scored in the Intercontinental Cup final in December 2024. That would also mean Guler coming on in the second half if the situation is not controlled.
With Kylian Mbappe not yet fit to play, after being hospitalized for enteritis, Gonzalo continues to play as “number 9”. The young player has the opportunity to score points before entering the 2025/26 season.
Vinicius' role on the left wing is essentially undisputed, despite the low form he showed in the draw with Al Hilal .
Alonso promises to help Vinicius find tactical advantage to explode. Behind, Jude Bellingham plays the role of left midfielder.
“I want Vinicius to connect with his nature ,” Alonso sent a message. Vini received a lot of criticism for being lackluster against the Al Hilal defense.
In other words, there were almost no adjustments compared to the opening match of Xabi Alonso's reign. Tchouameni played the role of "sweeper".
Trent is expected to be more effective than his debut. Photo: RMCF
Tchouameni was one of the few Real Madrid players to stand out in the opening game. It remains to see Bellingham and Valverde step up, show their best form and provide some creativity.
Bellingham was lacklustre in the unbearable heat and humidity at Al Hilal, while Valverde missed a penalty in stoppage time.
“I believe that with what Real Madrid have, we can form a dominant midfield,” Alonso said before the match. Individuals have not yet combined as well as he would like.
Real Madrid need to improve with each game. Xabi Alonso does not require an overwhelming victory and smooth coordination, but he expects 3 points and the most positive spirit to enter the knockout stage.
Force:
Real Madrid: Camavinga, Rudiger, Mbappe, Carvajal, Alaba, Endrick, Mendy, Militao are injured.
Pachuca: Micolta injured.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Trent, Asencio, Huijsen, Fran Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Vinicius.
Pachuca (4-3-3): Moreno; Rodriguez, Bauermann, Pereira, Gonzalez; Montiel, Pedraza, Palavecino; Dominguez, Rondon, Kennedy.
Match odds: Real Madrid handicap 1 1/2
Goal ratio: 3
Prediction: Real Madrid win 2-1 .
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-real-madrid-vs-pachuca-fifa-club-world-cup-2413809.html
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