Three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Juventus | FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

Despite falling to an early draw to Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid managed to come out of Group H as the leaders credit to their two wins over Pachuca and RB Salzburg.

Having avoided Manchester City by topping the group, Los Blancos face a relatively easier, albeit still challenging opponent in Juventus in the Round of 16.

Xabi Alonso’s men have looked progressively better in every successive game and there are promising signs early in the new manager’s tenure at the club.

The Italians, however, will still prove to be tricky for the men in white as the two lock horns for a place in the quarterfinal of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Juventus.

The advent of must-win games

The group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup saw Los Blancos pitted against three relatively weaker opponents, as is the same in any tournament following the format and placed them as favourites to make it out.

Having topped the group, they have ensured a favourable tie in the Round of 16 but there is no denying that the stakes are far higher with every successive game at this stage.

Now in the knockout phase of the tournament, every game for the men in white is a must-win. A single missed step will see their campaign come crashing down and it is thus key that Los Blancos stay grounded and committed at every level.

Juventus, in all likelihood, will be Real Madrid’s easiest opponent on their path to a potential title from here on. The Old Lady, after all, have been in disastrous form off late and even lost to Manchester City conceding five goals not too long ago.

While Xabi Alonso will see his team to be the favourites, he must remain wary of the stakes for the team is always in danger of elimination unless they kill the tie early.

Gonzalo Garcia’s chance to maintain steam

Making the most of his chances. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Gonzalo Garcia has been Real Madrid’s find of the tournament and has racked up three-goal contributions in three starts so far including one in every game.

In Kylian Mbappe’s absence, the young academy talent has stepped up and earned his place in Xabi Alonso’s plans, but he was expected to return to the bench later tonight, especially with the French superstar back in the squad.

Mbappe missed the Merengues’ opening three games through sickness after his bout of gastroenteritis turned ugly and saw him lose significant weight. He will return to action tonight, but word has it that Alonso will start him on the bench.

The new manager’s decision to phase out Mbappe’s return, needless to say, works out well for Garcia who will have another opportunity to showcase his talent, this time against an elite European opposition.

Poised to start against Juventus, all eyes will be on Garcia to see the impact he can generate in the minutes he has on the field. After all, Mbappe will likely become a full starter in the next game, and this could be the youngster’s last opportunity as a starter for a long time to come.

A long-awaited return

Real Madrid’s game against Juventus will be one to watch out for from the tournament standpoint for one of the two heavyweights will leave the competition on the night. For Los Blancos, however, the game will be special for a second big reason as well.

After all, club legend and veteran defender Dani Carvajal is expected to make his first appearance in over eight months against the Serie A side in what not only comes as a major boost for Alonso but also as a special emotional moment for the Real Madrid faithful.

For years, the veteran right-back carried the department for Real Madrid on his shoulders and last season only brought out a clear picture of how the club would suffer in his absence. With the star defender back, they will have serious stability in the department going forward.

Trent-Alexander Arnold will compete directly for a spot with Carvajal and the Spaniard will likely be phased out over the next year or two.

Nevertheless, watching him in action once again will be a treat for the eyes and one that every Real Madrid fan will be looking forward to.