Real Madrid – Juventus

It sounds like a Champions League night. Real Madrid vs. Juventus. But this is the Club World Cup. Not the old version with three games and a trophy on Sunday, but the new, much more comprehensive and TV-friendly version. Some call it football's version of an inflatable swimming pool. We call it an opportunity to watch the big games we never got in Europe.

Because it is, after all, Real Madrid versus Juventus. Two of the most iconic clubs in the world. Two teams with different starting points, but with a common goal: to show that they are still at the top of the world. And that, combined with a tournament where there are plenty of goals, makes this a match we are actually looking forward to.

Real Madrid: Vinícius up front, Mbappé still in hospital bed

Real Madrid swept Salzburg aside 3-0 and advanced with authority. Vinícius Junior was on target as usual, Valverde was given space to dominate midfield, and youngster Gonzalo García scored on his tournament debut. All in all: recipe-based.

But behind the result there is a bit of rust. Because Real have not convinced in terms of play. They allowed 12 shots against Salzburg, and xG was far closer than the result suggests. They play with authority, but not with full control. In addition, Mbappé is still out with illness, and that means that speed, pressure and deep runs in attack are not at their maximum level.

It's not exactly tight at the back either. Real conceded goals in five of the last six games before the Club World Cup and at times seem vulnerable in reorganizing. Against Juventus' counterattacking power, it could quickly cost them.

Juventus: A slap against City – but the attack works

We don't need to embellish it: 2-5 against Manchester City didn't look good. Doku was ravaging, Haaland scored, and Juve seemed heavy-footed and hollow under pressure. But they had already qualified, and it became clear that they prioritized resting people. Before that, Juventus had been solid. Vlahovic has scored in two games in a row, and young Kenan Yıldız has been a breath of fresh air in the midfield. Even against City, they created chances and got a reduction towards the end. Offensively, there is movement, speed and will – and that is enough to believe that they can punish Real if they get passes. But defensively? It is weak. They have conceded goals in four straight, and against City they did not hang together. The center-backs were dragged into spaces they do not control, and the pressing line became too easy to play through. This is where Real can hurt them – and that is why we believe in goals both ways.

What can we expect?

We don't expect a classic Real control or an Italian positional war. These are two teams that know they have weaknesses, but also offensive strengths that can decide the match. It's a quarter-final, and both know that one goal is not enough.

Real will try to set the tone, but without Mbappé they lack that extra punch. Juventus will lay low and rely on passing – and they have the tools to succeed. We think this could be a game of speed, space and goals both ways.

Bet suggestions

Club World Cup 21:00: Real Madrid – Juventus: Both teams to score (1.75)

Alternative game:

Club World Cup 21:00: Real Madrid – Juventus: Both teams to score + over 2.5 goals (2.18)

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