Real Madrid News
How Real Madrid can secure Round of 16 qualification at Club World Cup and who are their possible opponents
Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Pachuca has put them in a commanding position at the top of Group H in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso’s side now have the advantage heading into the final group-stage match against Salzburg, thanks also to the draw between Salzburg and Al Hilal. That result gave Los Blancos a clear path to the round of 16.
A draw against Salzburg will be enough for Real Madrid to qualify.
However, a win would see them finish top of the group, allowing them to control their own destiny without having to rely on the outcome of the final match between Al Hilal and Pachuca, who are already eliminated.
Possible group H scenarios
If Real Madrid lose to Salzburg and Al Hilal beat Pachuca, Madrid would be knocked out. However, the odds are in their favour.
The last time Madrid faced Salzburg was in the UEFA Champions League earlier this year in January, where they cruised to a dominant 5-1 win.
In the event of a draw against Salzburg, Madrid can still finish first if Al Hilal lose or draw against Pachuca. But if the Saudi side win by two or more goals, they would leapfrog Madrid based on overall goal difference.
Currently, Madrid sit at 4 goals scored and 2 conceded (4-2), while Al Hilal have scored once and conceded once (1-1). A two-goal win would give Al Hilal the edge. If they win by three or more, they will top the group outright.
Round of 16 outlook
As things stand, Madrid are most likely to face the runner-up of Group E in the round of 16. Juventus currently lead Group E with two wins, the same as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who demolished Al Ain 6-0 but still trail the Italians.
The group winner will be decided when City and Juventus face off. The team that finishes second will meet the top team from Group H, most likely Real Madrid, on July 1st.
Madrid’s fate remains in their hands. A strong performance against Salzburg could secure their place at the top, giving them a slight edge in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive knockout stage.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
