Here’s a polished preview and prediction for Real Madrid vs Al‑Hilal, opening fixture of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, kicking off today, June 18, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami:

You can place your bets today through various betting sites such as: Betpawa, Sokabet , Sportybet, Wasafibet etc.

• Context & Stakes

• Managerial debut for both Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid and Simone Inzaghi at Al‑Hilal.

• Their only previous meeting ended in a thrilling 5–3 win for Madrid in the 2022 Club World Cup final.

• Team Form & Lineups

Real Madrid

• Alonso has had < 1 month to instill his high‑pressing system; defense is still a work in progress due to injuries .

• Potential debutants include Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Dean Huijsen in defense.

• Attack is packed: Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé—Mbappé scored 43 times this season; Vini notched 21 goals and 15 assists.

Al‑Hilal

• Coached by Inzaghi with a 3‑5‑2 structure, featuring stars like Koulibaly, Cancelo, Neves, Milinković‑Savić, and Mitrović.

• Top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 95 goals last season.

• Key absences: Mitrović is fitness doubtful; lacked lucidity in final league games.

• Prediction & Betting Angles

• Match Winner: Clear edge to Real Madrid; bookmakers give them ~78% win probability.

• Scoreline: Most forecasts point to 3–1 or 3–0 wins for Madrid .

• Goal Markets:

  • Over 1.5 goals is highly likely; Over 2.5 is also probable given both strong attacks .

  • BTTS – Yes: Madrid have conceded in 14 of last 19, and Al‑Hilal should find the net.

• Specials: Tips include Mbappé to score two, or Alexander‑Arnold to contribute offensively.

• Tactical Outlook

1. Madrid’s defense (with new signings) vs Al‑Hilal’s midfield power—Neves and Milinković‑Savić may challenge Madrid's buildup.

2. Attacking firepower—Madrid’s front trio likely to dominate, but Al‑Hilal's pace and flair can threaten on counters.

3. Debut pressure for both new managers; Madrid expected to control the tempo but may be vulnerable to set-pieces or transitions.

• Final Take

• Projected Score: Real Madrid 3–1 Al‑Hilal

• Markets:

  • Real Madrid to win

  • Over 2.5 goals

  • Both teams to score

  • Mbappé anytime scorer