The Ultimate Showdown: Real Madrid Vs PSG Lineups For The 2025 Club World Cup Semi-Final
The football world is holding its breath for one of the most anticipated fixtures in modern history: Real Madrid facing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the high-stakes FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final. Scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, this match is more than just a clash of European giants; it marks a seismic shift in football's landscape, primarily due to the dramatic return of Kylian Mbappé to face his former club and the competitive debut of Real Madrid's new manager. This article provides the most up-to-date, confirmed, and predicted starting XIs, team news, and tactical breakdowns for the blockbuster fixture at MetLife Stadium.
The 2025 Club World Cup provides the perfect stage for this epic confrontation, with both teams vying for a spot in the final of the newly expanded tournament. With new coaches, key signings, and crucial injuries, the starting lineups are poised to be the most scrutinized of the entire competition, promising a tactical battle for the ages.
Real Madrid's Confirmed Lineup & Xabi Alonso's New Era (4-4-2 Diamond)
The biggest story heading into the semi-final is the tactical blueprint of new manager Xabi Alonso, who officially takes the reins in June 2025. Alonso is expected to deploy a fluid 4-4-2 formation, prioritizing midfield control and fast transitions, a system that perfectly accommodates the talents of Jude Bellingham and the new arrival, Kylian Mbappé. The squad depth, despite a few key injuries, remains formidable.
Real Madrid Confirmed/Predicted Starting XI (4-4-2):
- GK: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) - The towering veteran goalkeeper, returning to full fitness, remains the undisputed number one.
- RB: Fran García (Spain) - A more attack-minded full-back, likely to be tasked with providing width on the right.
- CB: Antonio Rüdiger (Germany) - The commanding centre-back, essential for his pace and aggressive defending.
- CB: Aurélien Tchouaméni (France) - Expected to drop back from his usual midfield position to cover for the injured David Alaba, showcasing Alonso's tactical flexibility.
- LB: Raúl Asencio (Spain) - A promising young defender who steps in for the long-term absentee Ferland Mendy.
- CM (Deep): Federico Valverde (Uruguay) - The engine room; his relentless energy and box-to-box running are crucial for breaking up PSG's midfield tempo.
- CM (Right): Arda Güler (Turkey) - The young playmaker, often positioned wide in a diamond, will be key to unlocking the PSG defense with his creative passes and dribbling.
- CM (Left): Eduardo Camavinga (France) - Though listed as injured in some reports, if fit, his dynamism and ball-carrying ability will be a major asset; if not, Dani Ceballos or a fit-again Dani Carvajal (at RB, shifting the defense) would fill the gap. (Note: Assuming a late fitness for a major fixture.)
- AM (Tip): Jude Bellingham (England) - The team's creative focal point and goal threat, operating in the 'number 10' position behind the strikers, linking midfield to attack.
- ST: Vinícius Júnior (Vini Jr.) (Brazil) - The electric winger-turned-forward, providing pace and directness, forming a devastating partnership up front.
- ST: Kylian Mbappé (France) - The main event. His competitive debut against his former club will see him spearhead the attack, utilizing his world-class speed and finishing ability.
Key Real Madrid Team News and Player Status
Manager Xabi Alonso's first major test will be managing a squad battling several key absences. David Alaba (knee injury) and Endrick (minor knock) are confirmed to be unavailable for the semi-final. The biggest defensive question mark is the health of Éder Militão, who is reportedly close to a return but may not be risked from the start. Alonso's decision to potentially use Tchouaméni in the backline is a bold, fresh tactical move designed to inject pace into the defense while maximizing midfield personnel.
Paris Saint-Germain's Confirmed Lineup & Luis Enrique's Tactical Setup (4-3-3)
Under manager Luis Enrique, PSG has embraced a high-pressing, possession-based 4-3-3 system. The focus will be on controlling the tempo and exploiting the flanks, particularly through the world-class full-back Achraf Hakimi and the dynamic Nuno Mendes. The challenge for PSG will be to maintain defensive cohesion against the pace of Vini Jr. and Mbappé.
PSG Confirmed/Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):
- GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy) - The Italian shot-stopper, known for his imposing presence and excellent reflexes.
- RB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) - A crucial player for both defense and attack, providing blistering pace down the right flank.
- CB: Marquinhos (C) (Brazil) - The club captain and defensive anchor, whose leadership will be vital in containing the Madrid attack.
- CB: Lucas Beraldo (Brazil) - The young, ball-playing center-back, partnering Marquinhos.
- LB: Nuno Mendes (Portugal) - Another high-energy full-back, creating a relentless threat on the left side.
- CM: Vitinha (Portugal) - The central engine of the midfield, responsible for ball retention and pressing.
- CM: Joao Neves (Portugal) - The highly-rated young midfielder, providing steel and technical quality in the center of the park.
- CM: Fabián Ruiz (Spain) - The creative link in midfield, often dictating the play with his passing range.
- RW: Ousmane Dembélé (France) - The primary wide threat, whose unpredictable dribbling and speed will test Fran García.
- ST: Gonçalo Ramos (Portugal) - The center-forward, tasked with leading the press and converting chances created by the wide players.
- LW: Bradley Barcola (France) - The young, rapid winger who provides a direct goal threat and excellent link-up play.
Key PSG Team News and Player Status
Luis Enrique has a relatively fit squad, but the loss of defender William due to suspension is a minor blow to defensive rotation. The primary focus for PSG is the integration of new midfield talent like Joao Neves and the reliance on their dynamic full-backs to control the game. The tactical challenge is how to structure the defense to prevent Mbappé and Vini Jr. from exploiting the space behind the attacking full-backs, a common vulnerability in Enrique's high-line system.
The Four Decisive Tactical Battles to Watch
This semi-final will be won and lost in specific individual and collective duels across the pitch. The following four key battles will determine which team progresses to the final:
1. The Mbappé Factor: Kylian Mbappé vs. Marquinhos
The emotional centerpiece of the match. Mbappé, now in white, will be playing with a point to prove against his former captain, Marquinhos. This is a direct battle of pace versus positioning. Marquinhos, one of the world's best defensive readers, will need to rely on his experience and leadership to organize the backline and prevent Mbappé from finding the space to turn and run. If Mbappé gets a step on the Brazilian, the game could change instantly.
2. Midfield Control: Jude Bellingham vs. Joao Neves
This is a clash of two generational talents in the central area. Bellingham, operating as the advanced playmaker, needs to be shut down to cut the supply line to Madrid's front two. Joao Neves, a relentless ball-winner and presser, will be tasked with tracking Bellingham's runs into the box and preventing him from dictating the tempo. The winner of this duel will likely control the flow of the game, a critical point for Xabi Alonso's midfield-heavy strategy.
3. The Flank War: Achraf Hakimi vs. Vinícius Júnior
A high-octane battle of speed and skill. Hakimi, the former Real Madrid player, is one of PSG's most potent attacking weapons, but his advanced positioning can leave space behind him. Vini Jr.'s role will be to exploit this space, forcing Hakimi to make difficult defensive decisions. The ability of Fran García or Asencio to provide cover will be crucial, as Vini Jr. aims to isolate Hakimi in a one-on-one scenario.
4. Managerial Chess: Xabi Alonso vs. Luis Enrique
The dugouts will be as competitive as the pitch. For Alonso, this is a statement debut on the biggest stage, showcasing his tactical philosophy against a seasoned veteran. Enrique, known for his commitment to high-press and possession football, will try to suffocate Real Madrid's midfield. Alonso's tactical response—likely a compact midfield diamond and rapid counter-attacks—will be the key to neutralizing PSG's control and turning possession into devastating transitions.
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