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Real Madrid Packs for Club World Cup: Xabi Alonso's Era Begins Amidst High Hopes and Key Absences

Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid Gearing Up for Club World Cup with Fresh Signings

By Pame Sun

Xabi Alonso. Photo. El Español
Xabi Alonso. Photo. El Español

The illustrious Real Madrid squad, now under the meticulous guidance of new head coach Xabi Alonso, is in its final preparations before jetting off to the United States for the groundbreaking FIFA Club World Cup, which commences on June 13th. With their highly anticipated debut against Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal scheduled for June 18th at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the excitement within the Merengue camp is palpable.

Alonso has named a robust 34-man squad for the historic tournament, a testament to the depth and talent at his disposal. Among the most anticipated names are the exciting new acquisitions, Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose presence adds fresh impetus and quality to the Real Madrid ranks. Fans will be eager to see these new faces in action as the club embarks on this significant competition.

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However, the journey to the Club World Cup is not without its challenges. The squad faces sensitive absences due to injuries, with key figures Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão notably missing from the call-up. Their unavailability represents a significant blow, as both players are integral to Real Madrid's defensive solidity and attacking prowess. Alonso will need to strategically navigate these absences as the team aims for glory.

Under Xabi Alonso's leadership, there's a palpable sense of ambition echoing through the corridors of the Santiago Bernabéu. The vision is clear: to reignite the golden era of Real Madrid, harkening back to the dominant days when legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Mesut Özil graced the pitch. Alonso's appointment signals a strong intent to reclaim that level of unparalleled success and captivating football.

In a poignant note for loyal fans, two long-serving stalwarts, Lucas Vázquez and Luka Modrić, will not be participating in this Club World Cup. Both players are set to depart the club this year, making this tournament one of the first major competitions of the new era without their iconic presence. Their absence marks a symbolic passing of the torch as Real Madrid transitions into a new chapter.

Real Madrid's path to the Club World Cup final will see them face formidable opponents. Following their opener against Al-Hilal, they are slated to potentially meet Mexico's Pachuca and Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg as they navigate the tournament stages.

This edition of the FIFA Club World Cup is particularly significant. As confirmed by FIFA, this expanded tournament will now take place every four years, mirroring the periodicity of the traditional FIFA World Cup. This new format aims to elevate the stature of club football on the global stage, bringing together the absolute best teams from every continent in a truly grand spectacle. Real Madrid, with its rich history of conquering club competitions, is eager to make its mark on this new, expanded version of the ultimate club showdown.


Pame Sun

Pame Sun

Pamela Suntaxi, better known as Pame Sun, is a 26 year old Ecuadorian sports journalist, recognized for her passion and dedication to the world of soccer. Since she was young, she showed a deep interest in this sport thanks to her mother, and throughout her career she has managed to consolidate herself as one of the leading voices in the sports world.Specializing in the analysis and coverage of the country's most important teams, such as Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito (LDU), Barcelona Spo...

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