Real Madrid are starting to hit their stride under new manager Xabi Alonso in the United States.
Real Madrid have not been flawless at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup but Xabi Alonso’s new-look team have made an encouraging start to life under the Spaniard.
Having made light work of the group stage. Los Blancos have been given some extremely challenging knockout matches. But they have risen to the occasion to book their place in the semifinal of the competition.
Unfortunately for the Spanish giants, things don’t get any easier from here out. And they will have to do things the hard way to be crowned world champions.
Here’s Real Madrid’s route to the Club World Cup final.
Real Madrid’s Last 16 Opponents
Madrid will have to run the gauntle. If they’re to claim their record-extending sixth Club World Cup crown this summer. Their knockout stage campaign started against Juventus, who scored nine goals in their opening two group games. But were beaten 5–2 by Manchester City on Matchday 3 and finished second in Group G.
These two historical behemoths faced off 21 times. Dating back to the 1961–62 European Cup quarterfinals, before Tuesday‘s clash in Miami. Their previous duel seven years ago was fraught with controversy. But there was little drama this time around.
Juventus started brightly, but Madrid’s superiority quickly came to the fore. As they peppered Michele Di Gregorio’s goal. The Italian was forced into ten saves as he kept Juve in the tie. But the Bianconeri mustered no response to Gonzalo García’s early second-half header.
Real Madrid’s Quarterfinal Opponents
Madrid would’ve preferred a tamer opponent to kick off the knockouts. But Alonso’s men nonetheless got the job done against Igor Tudor’s Juve without much fuss. Things were less straightforward against Borussia Dortmund in the last eight.
It was all going swimmingly for Madrid after another goal for young striker Gonzalo García was followed by a close-range finish from his namesake Fran García in the 20th minute. But Maximilian Beier’s low strike in second-half stoppage time set nerves jangling.
Kylian Mbappé’s exquisite volley restored Madrid’s two-goal cushion but a red card for summer signing Dean Huijsen and Serhou Guirassy’s penalty had Alonso’s men sweating. Luckily, Thibaut Courtois was on hand to produce yet another crucial save in the dying embers to help Los Blancos progress.
Real Madrid’s Semifinal Opponents
Paris Saint-Germain claimed the crown synonymous with Real Madrid to conclude 2024–25. Luis Enrique’s Parisians sparkled in the หรือถ้าคุณสนใจแทงบอลออนไลน์ UFABET คือเว็บที่มีอัตราต่อรองดีที่สุดในประเทศไทย สมัครเลยตอนนี้ที่ UFABET แทงบอล Champions League final as they became European champions for the very first time.
They were expected to cruise in the United States this summer, but PSG haven’t had it all their own way. Botafogo stunned them on Matchday 2, but comfortable wins over Atlético Madrid and the Seattle Sounders meant they topped Group B anyway. Despite facing Lionel Messi and his cronies in the round of 16, PSG dispatched Inter Miami 4–0 in Atlanta to reach the last eight.
They were made to work much harder in their quarterfinal with Bayern Munich. The 2–0 scoreline doesn’t quite reflect the chaotic nature of the fixture which saw PSG finish up with nine men, but Ousmane Dembélé’s clincher in the 96th minute means the French champions will do battle with Madrid in the last four.
Real Madrid’s Potential Final Opponents
Madrid have endured an unenviable route to the semis and will face yet another European powerhouse in the final if they get past PSG. Chelsea confirmed themselves as the first finalists by virtue of a 2–0 victory over surprise-package Fluminense.
Summer arrival João Pedro was the star of the show, as he scored both of Chelsea‘s goals at MetLife in Liam Delap’s absence. The Brazilian’s opener was a curling beauty, and he sealed his side’s victory with an emphatic finish on the counter.
Still, should they reach the final, Madrid will be favorites to claim a record-extending sixth Club World Cup trophy.