Xabi Alonso delivers a surprise in the line-up against Borussia, a heavyweight is left out

Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinal match of the Club World Cup. The white team will have to defeat the Germans to reach the penultimate round of the prestigious tournament. The match will be played at the impressive MetLife Stadium in New Jersey starting at 10:00 p.m. (Spanish peninsular time).

Xabi Alonso's players, who advanced from the group stage as group leaders, eliminated Juventus in the last round thanks to a goal from Gonzalo. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund left Rayados de Monterrey (2-1) behind, thus avoiding a reunion between Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid. We also won't be able to witness the first duel between Jude and Jobe Bellingham, since the younger brother is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

Real Madrid's official line-up

There is no debate in goal: Thibaut Courtois will be the starting goalkeeper. On the flanks will be Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right and Fran García on the left side. In the center of defense, Xabi Alonso will keep his three-center-back formation with Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

In midfield, Fede Valverde will take on the more physical duties, while Arda Güler will be responsible for building Real Madrid's play in attack. Jude Bellingham will also be present, generating play all over the field.

Finally, the attack will be formed by Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius. For the first time, Xabi Alonso can count on both from the start of the match. On the bench, players like Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo Goes, Luka Modric, and Gonzalo García will also be waiting.

In summary: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Fran García; Fede Valverde, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham; Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius.

Kylian Mbappé's return to the starting line-up

"We need Mbappé because he's a top player, one of the best in the world", said Xabi Alonso in the last press conference. The Basque coach couldn't count on the Frenchman in the first three matches of the Club World Cup. However, after playing 22 minutes against Juventus, last season's Golden Boot is back.

In recent days, Kylian Mbappé has completed several training sessions normally, debuted against Juventus, and has left his physical problems behind. Now the time has come to take another step: to be a starter and lead Real Madrid into the semifinals.