Xabi’s revolution? 3️⃣ Key questions before Madrid’s World Cup bow | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso faces his official debut with Real Madrid tonight at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, marking the start of the revamped Club World Cup.

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The coach introduces his positional system and high pressure to a team that played most of its sessions in Valdebebas and Florida. On the other side, Al-Hilal, under Simone Inzaghi, arrives without major signings but with a stellar European squad (Cancelo, Milinkovic-Savic, Mitrović, Bono).

Here are three key questions before the kickoff:

How will Xabi leave his mark on Real Madrid from the first match?

With only three training sessions before the debut, Xabi has insisted on imprinting a clear and accelerated identity on the team. His tasks include defining the tactical system (4-3-3 or 5-3-2), integrating new players like Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen, and combining experience with youth. The challenge is enormous: Madrid needs immediate cohesion to dominate against a resilient opponent.

Will Mbappé be at the expected level or will Brahim Díaz be the game-changer?

Kylian's fever has raised doubts about his presence tonight. Mbappé is vital alongside Vinicius and Rodrygo, but if he fails, Brahim has shown hunger in training. The alternative is not minor: Brahim exudes motivation to "prove his worth" and could be the surprise in the offensive trio.

Can Al-Hilal compete with limited resources?

Al-Hilal did not reinforce in these weeks, preferring financial sustainability. Even so, the team maintains high-level figures: Bono in goal, Cancelo in defense, and Mitrović as the offensive reference. With Inzaghi at the helm—awarded after his Champions League stint—and a well-adjusted style, the Saudi team aims to surprise with tactical solidity and speed.

This duel presents two projects in the making: Xabi's white revolution and Al-Hilal's competitive pedigree under Inzaghi. In Miami, the first strokes of a voracious, demanding, and contrasting tournament will be written. Today we will find out if the new Madrid already stands out or if the Arab giant strikes back.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.