The Round of 16 fixture at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between Real Madrid and Juventus, set for Tuesday, July 1, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, poses a tough test for Real Madrid.
Star striker Kylian Mbappe won’t start due to a recent illness, and multiple other players have also been left out of the starting eleven because of suspension.

Kylian Mbappe, the star forward for Real Madrid, is not expected to start against Juventus but remains a strong contender to come off the bench. Reports reveal that Mbappe resumed training after suffering from acute gastroenteritis, which led to hospitalization and caused him to miss all three of Madrid’s group stage games. Coach Xabi Alonso stated, \"Kylian is back in good spirits. It’s a big possibility..Kylian is doing well now and we are speaking every single day, and he’s looking sharp in training.\" “We will talk to him in the morning to make the final decision,” Alonso noted. Though his condition is improving, Alonso’s careful stance implies Mbappe, who shed weight during the illness, may not be fit for a full game, with priority given to saving him for future knockout matches.
Real Madrid’s injury woes worsen, with Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Daniel Carvajal, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick all unavailable for selection. Militao and Alaba are dealing with knee and calf injuries, while full-backs Mendy and Carvajal are missing, the latter recovering from a major knee problem. Camavinga’s absence in midfield and Endrick’s lack of availability add more pressure to Madrid’s lineup. Juventus also has injury concerns, with Nicolo Savona doubtful due to an ankle knock, and Cabal, Perin, Bremer, and Milik all ruled out.
To make up for Mbappe’s absence, Real Madrid plans to use a 3-4-2-1 setup, introducing vital alterations in both attack and defense. Leading the front line will be Gonzalo Garcia, a 21-year-old standout performer, who scored two goals and registered one assist during the group stage. His rise comes at a crucial time, adding speed and clinical finishing alongside Vinicius Junior. Arda Guler will shoulder creative responsibilities in midfield, crucial in penetrating Juventus’ tight defensive block. On defense, Tchouameni will again fill in at center-back, driven by injuries and Asencio’s omission, despite naturally being a midfielder. This improvised backline, with Rudiger’s leadership, must stay composed to neutralize Juventus’ quick breaks.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-1-2-3): Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia; Aurelien Tchouameni; Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham; Federico Valverde, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior