The change expected in Real Madrid's line-up: 2 possible sacrifices

Real Madrid will play its second match in this Club World Cup against Pachuca tomorrow. It has to win.

To achieve that, Xabi might make changes compared to the starting eleven against Al Hilal.

Xabi Alonso's eleven

This could be formed by Courtois in goal and Trent and Fran as full-backs, there's not much doubt there. But in central defense, there could be changes.

The natural choice would be to play Huijsen and Asencio again, but after Raúl's penalty mistake, maybe he could go for Tchouaméni as a center-back.

Xabi Alonso said this about the penalty: "These are key plays and the first one was avoidable."

In midfield, Tchouaméni, Fede, and Bellingham seem untouchable. If the Frenchman moved to center-back, there would have to be a change there.

Up front, we understand that Vinicius is a guaranteed starter. Most likely, considering Mbappé's absence, Gonzalo would again be Real Madrid's starting number nine.

The last piece would be Arda Güler, who would come in for Rodrygo Goes after the Brazilian's poor match and the Turk's good second half.

This is what Xabi Alonso said after the first match

In the post-match press conference, Xabi commented: "The second half was much better than the first. In the first half, we lacked a lot of things, with and without the ball. We lost the ball too quickly, we didn't have enough balance, and these are things we'd talked about and it took us a bit more time."

He highlighted the reaction at halftime: "I liked the reaction at halftime. We were able to give the game a different meaning, a different rhythm, have more people giving a good pause and good control of the game. Through that control, we were able to get closer to the opponent's box, adjust the pressing, and we were much closer to their area."

About Pachuca, he commented:

"Almost all the teams in this group have new coaches, us, Al Hilal, and Pachuca. Last year, Madrid played against them in the Intercontinental and it was an even match, in the end it was won."

"Every team has a high level and we've seen that today. It'll be demanding as well."