Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal Tips and Odds – 18/06/2025

• Fixture: Real Madrid vs Al Hilal
• Date: Wednesday, 18 June 2025
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida

Match Preview

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup roars into Miami as European giants Real Madrid face Asian powerhouse Al Hilal in a high-profile Group H opener at Hard Rock Stadium. This match marks the first competitive outing for both clubs under new management: Xabi Alonso for Madrid and Simone Inzaghi for Al Hilal, adding extra intrigue to an already star-studded clash.

Real Madrid arrive in the United States after a turbulent end to their domestic season. The club parted ways with legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, replacing him with Xabi Alonso, and have made significant moves in the transfer market, notably bringing in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen to shore up a defense ravaged by injuries. However, the injury list remains daunting: Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Éder Militão, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick are all sidelined, forcing Alonso to rely on new signings and squad depth. Despite these challenges, Madrid’s attack remains formidable, with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham all fit and firing.

Al Hilal, fresh from a dominant campaign in the Saudi Pro League, also enter this tie with momentum. Their last five league games saw them unbeaten, including a 2-0 victory over Al-Qadsiah and a thrilling 4-3 win at Al Fateh. The squad is brimming with talent and international experience: Aleksandar Mitrović leads the line, supported by Sergej Milinković-Savić, Rúben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, and João Cancelo. The appointment of Simone Inzaghi, formerly of Inter Milan, signals the club’s ambition to make a deep run in this expanded Club World Cup.

Both teams are in transition but boast impressive recent results. Real Madrid closed their La Liga campaign with a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad, and have won three straight in all competitions. Al Hilal, meanwhile, have been prolific, scoring 30 goals in their last 10 matches and rarely failing to find the net. Their only previous competitive meeting was the 2023 Club World Cup final, a wild 5-3 win for Real Madrid, suggesting goals could flow again.

Injuries and absentees could shape the narrative. Madrid’s defensive woes are well-documented, but Al Hilal are also missing three regulars, although their core remains intact. The tactical battle between Alonso’s evolving Madrid and Inzaghi’s well-drilled Hilal will be fascinating, with both sides eager to make a statement in their tournament opener.

Key Players to Watch

• Real Madrid:
  • Kylian Mbappé: The marquee summer signing is expected to lead the line and is favourite to score first.
  • Vinícius Júnior: Always a threat with his pace and dribbling, he’s in strong scoring form.
  • Jude Bellingham: Madrid’s midfield dynamo, capable of influencing both ends of the pitch and a value bet for shots on target.
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold: The new right-back’s delivery and attacking intent could be crucial, especially given Madrid’s defensive absences.
• Al Hilal:
  • Aleksandar Mitrović: The Serbian striker has been prolific in the Saudi Pro League and is Hilal’s main goal threat.
  • Sergej Milinković-Savić: Provides drive and goals from midfield, and scored in the last meeting between these sides.
  • Rúben Neves: The Portuguese playmaker will be key in dictating Hilal’s tempo.
  • Kalidou Koulibaly: The defensive rock who will need to marshal a backline facing world-class attackers.

Prediction

Despite their injury crisis, Real Madrid’s attacking firepower and pedigree on the world stage make them clear favourites. Al Hilal’s quality and recent scoring form suggest they can trouble Madrid’s makeshift defence, but the Spanish side’s depth and star quality should see them through. Expect an open game with goals at both ends.

Predicted score: Real Madrid 3-1 Al Hilal.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are indicative and may vary; always check the latest prices before betting.

Expect fireworks in Miami as Real Madrid and Al Hilal kick off their Club World Cup campaigns with a bang. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two of world football’s most ambitious clubs.