Real Madrid possible starting XI against Salzburg in the Club World Cup
Rüdiger is rushing back to arrive on time, although the deadlines are tight. Güler has earned the starting spot, and Rodrygo is hanging by a thread.
Rüdiger is pending — that just about sums up Xabi Alonso’s starting eleven. With Asencio suspended after a straight red against Pachuca, the shortage of central defenders is once again a pressing issue. El Loco would play through anything for Xabi, but there’s still a risk of injury, and his condition will be assessed right up until the last minute.
Back on April 29, he underwent surgery for a partial tear in the external meniscus of his left knee. By the time the match kicks off, 58 days will have passed — exactly eight weeks, which was the estimated recovery time. It’s a tight window, but just close enough. Maybe it’ll work out. But the doubt lingers in the air.
If Rüdiger can’t go, the starting eleven will be improvised on the spot. Tchouaméni would slot in as the pivot, flanked by Valverde (who would once again wear the captain’s armband) and Bellingham. Güler would take the right wing but frequently drift inside, rotating with El Halcón to help with build-up play. “The closer he is to the ball, the better,” Xabi Alonso has said — he doesn’t want Güler stuck out wide.
This setup would push Rodrygo to the bench. The other two attacking spots are clear: Vinicius — who hasn’t scored since April 16 — and Gonzalo. Rodrygo’s best hope lies in Rüdiger being unavailable.
In that case, Tchouaméni would drop into central defense, Valverde would play as the pivot, Güler would shift into midfield, and the right wing would open up — likely for Rodrygo. That’s Plan B.
Given all this, Real Madrid’s probable lineup against Salzburg looks like this:
Courtois; Trent, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Fran García; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Güler, Gonzalo, and Vinicius.
🙌 #FIFACWC 🙌 pic.twitter.com/EFjcWDXosz
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 26, 2025
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