### Clash of Champions: Real Madrid vs Red Bull Salzburg at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
**Who:** Real Madrid vs Red Bull Salzburg
**What:** [FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – Group H](https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/6/12/fifa-club-world-cup-2025-teams-format-explainer-venue-final-messi-ronaldo)
**Where:** [Lincoln Financial Field](https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/6/7/fifa-club-world-cup-2025-stadiums-host-cities-final-venue), Philadelphia, United States
**When:** Thursday, June 26, 9 PM local time (01:00 GMT on Friday, June 27)
**How to Follow:** All build-up will begin from 6 PM local (10:00 GMT) on [Al Jazeera Sport](https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/).
### Building Tension in Group H
In a thrilling showdown, record-winners Real Madrid find themselves in a crucial contest against fellow Group H contenders Red Bull Salzburg. With both teams level on points, the stakes are high as they aim to secure a place in the knockout stage. A win for either team could provide a more favorable draw in the round of 16, making this match a must-watch.
### How Have Real Madrid Fared So Far at the Club World Cup?
Real Madrid kicked off their Club World Cup journey with a dramatic **1-1** draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. Young standout Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring, filling in for the absent Kylian Mbappe, who was sidelined due to gastroenteritis. However, a penalty conversion by Ruben Neves equalized the score before halftime, while Federico Valverde missed a late penalty that could have clinched the game for Los Blancos.
In their next fixture, Real overcame a challenge against Pachuca, winning **3-1** despite a red card issued to Raul Asencio early in the match. The Spanish giants showcased their resolve, with goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Federico Valverde, escalating their chances of topping the group.
### How Have Salzburg Fared So Far?
On the other hand, Red Bull Salzburg had a mixed start. After opening with a commendable **2-1** victory over Pachuca, they were held to a frustrating **0-0** draw against Al Hilal. This result leaves Salzburg in a tight spot, making their next match pivotal for advancing in the tournament.
### What Do Real Madrid Need to Qualify?
For Real Madrid, a draw will guarantee them a position in the top two, yet the top spot could slip through their fingers if Al Hilal defeats Pachuca. The pressure is on as they aim for not just qualification but also to secure the advantageous top spot in Group H.
### What Do Salzburg Need to Qualify?
Salzburg finds themselves in a must-win situation; a victory would see them progressing to the knockout stages. A draw would suffice only if Al Hilal and Pachuca also end their match in a stalemate, while defeat could see them eliminated if Al Hilal wins.
### What’s the Latest on Mbappe’s Return for Real Madrid?
Though Kylian Mbappe is back in training after his hospitalization due to gastroenteritis, he will miss the upcoming match against Salzburg. Real Madrid’s coach, Xabi Alonso, remains optimistic about Mbappe’s recovery and hopes to include him in future fixtures.
### How Did Real Madrid Qualify for the Club World Cup?
Real Madrid secured their spot in the Club World Cup thanks to their emphatic 2022 UEFA Champions League final victory over Liverpool. The team, however, has faced challenges this season, relinquishing their domestic and European titles.
### How Did Salzburg Reach the Club World Cup?
Salzburg’s journey to the Club World Cup came through consistent performances in the UEFA Champions League over the past four years. Despite finishing third in the Austrian Bundesliga and falling short of the title, their history in European competitions paved their way to this prestigious tournament.
### Previous Encounters: Real Madrid vs Salzburg
The two sides met earlier this season during the Champions League group stage, where Real Madrid dominated with a **5-1** victory at Santiago Bernabeu. Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior stood out, each scoring twice, while Mbappe added a fifth goal. Mads Bidstrup’s late strike for Salzburg was nothing more than a consolation.
### Real Madrid’s Record at the Club World Cup
The Spanish giants are the most successful club in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy five times, including their latest triumph in 2023 against Al Hilal. Their rich history in this tournament amplifies the anticipation surrounding their matches.
### Head-to-Head Statistics
This upcoming matchup marks only the second meeting between these clubs. Historically, Salzburg has struggled against Spanish teams, managing to win only five of 24 encounters while losing 15.
### Real Madrid Team News
Los Blancos will be without Raul Asencio due to a suspension from his red card. Potential replacements like Antonio Rudiger could be crucial as Real seeks to solidify their defensive line. Fans will be eagerly scanning the teamsheet to see if there’s a spot for a returning Mbappe.
### Salzburg Team News
Red Bull Salzburg faces their challenges as well, with Takumu Kawamura sidelined by a knee injury and goalkeeper Alexander Schlager out due to a hand injury. Maurits Kjaergaard may see action after recovering from an ankle injury, providing Salzburg with a crucial boost.
### Possible Starting Lineups
– **Real Madrid’s Possible Starting Lineup:**
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, F Garcia; Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Valverde, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
– **Red Bull Salzburg’s Possible Starting Lineup:**
Zawieschitzky; Lainer, Gadou, Ramussen, Kratzig; Bidstrup, Diabate; Nene, Gloukh; Onisiwo, Baidoo
### Recent Form
– **Real Madrid Form (All Competitions):**
**W-W-W-D-W**
– **Red Bull Salzburg Form (All Competitions):**
**L-W-W-W-D**
With electrifying storylines and high-stakes encounters, this Group H decider promises to be a captivating clash as Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg vie for progression in one of football’s most prestigious tournaments.
