The stage is set for an exciting clash as Real Madrid takes on Red Bull Salzburg in the final Group H match of the FIFA Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Both teams are fighting to secure their spot in the round of 16, with Real Madrid aiming to maintain their top position and Salzburg hoping to claim it.
During training sessions, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jude Bellingham were seen in action, preparing for the decisive encounter. Despite Mbappe's return to training following a bout of gastroenteritis, he has not been included in the squad for this match.
Real Madrid opened their Club World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal, with Gonzalo Garcia scoring the equalizer for Los Blancos. Mbappe was absent due to illness, and Federico Valverde missed a late penalty. In their second match, Real Madrid secured a 3-1 win against Pachuca, despite having Raul Asencio sent off in the seventh minute. Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Federico Valverde put Real Madrid in a commanding position before Elias Montiel netted a consolation for the Mexicans.
Salzburg, on the other hand, started their campaign with a 2-1 win over Pachuca but missed the chance to secure their place in the round of 16 after a 0-0 draw against Al Hilal. A win for Salzburg in this match would assure them of progression to the knockout stages.
Real Madrid will be without Asencio, who was sent off in their match against Pachuca. Trent Alexander-Arnold and coach Xabi Alonso are new additions to Real Madrid this season. The team is hopeful that Mbappe will be available soon, but his return for this match remains uncertain.
Salzburg's Takumu Kawamura's knee injury and Maurits Kjaergaard's comeback from injury could influence the Salzburg team selection. Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager's hand injury and winger Moussa Yeo's knee problem will keep them out of the match.
Real Madrid qualified for the Club World Cup due to their 2022 UEFA Champions League final win against Liverpool. Salzburg reached the Club World Cup via the UEFA ranking pathway, finishing third in the Austrian top flight. The last time these teams met was in the Champions League earlier this season, with Real Madrid emerging victorious 5-1 at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are the five-time record winners of this competition, last lifting the trophy in 2023 following their win against Al Hilal. Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham are targeting their first Club World Cup medals with the record winners.
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