Soccer coach in the foreground with Real Madrid players in the background and the Real Madrid and PSG crests superimposed
Lineup chosen by Xabi Alonso for Real Madrid - PSG | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
FIRST TEAM

Confirmed line-ups: these are the players chosen by Xabi Alonso

The coach has opted for the 4-3-3 with a forward line featuring everything: Vinicius, Mbappé, and Gonzalo

by

Alex Moreno

Real Madrid's starting eleven for the Club World Cup semifinals against PSG has already been confirmed. Xabi Alonso has chosen an offensive line-up with significant changes.

The white team will play with a very recognizable 4-3-3:
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham; Mbappé, Gonzalo, and Vinicius.

Mbappé and Gonzalo, together in the starting eleven

The main question was up front. Mbappé has already recovered from the gastroenteritis that kept him out for almost the entire tournament.

His return after scoring a bicycle kick against Dortmund has been key. However, his inclusion raised a big question: what about Gonzalo GarcĂ­a?

The academy player is in top form. He has scored four goals in five matches and is one of the top scorers of the tournament.

A Real Madrid player controls the ball in the air during a match against Borussia Dortmund while several players watch the play on the field.
Gonzalo GarcĂ­a's goal against Borussia Dortmund | Real Madrid Confidencial

Xabi Alonso's solution has been clear: not to choose. Both will play. Gonzalo will be the "9," Mbappé will play on the right wing, and Vinicius on the left.

Valverde, at right back by surprise

The other big question was at right back. Trent Alexander-Arnold finished the last training session in Palm Beach with a knock.

There were fears he wouldn't make it in time, and that's what happened. Xabi has preferred not to take risks and to make adjustments.

The one chosen to play at right back is Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan has already played in that position in this tournament and will do so again today.

Real Madrid player taking a penalty kick during a match while other players watch from the background
Fede Valverde in this Club World Cup | Real Madrid Confidencial

Lucas Vázquez was also an option, but in the end he will remain on the bench.

Asencio returns to the back line

There is another forced change in defense. Dean Huijsen won't be able to play due to suspension after receiving a red card against Dortmund.

His place in the center of the back line will be taken by RaĂşl Asencio. The young center-back has already played minutes in this tournament and will now start. Next to him, as always, will be Antonio RĂĽdiger.

Everything ready for a high-flying clash

With these eleven names, Xabi Alonso sends a message: he's going all in. He wants to be in the final and isn't holding anything back.

Mbappé and Gonzalo will play together. Valverde, reconverted, will defend on the right. Asencio will look to make the most of his opportunity.

PSG are waiting and Madrid, with its starting eleven already confirmed, is preparing for a high-voltage semifinal.

➡️ First Team

More posts: