Xabi Alonso Demands "Champions League Final" Performance from Real Madrid in Club World Cup Quarterfinals

Real Madrid's journey through the Club World Cup has been a tale of steady improvement. After a less-than-ideal debut, the Merengues have diligently corrected their early missteps, leading to significant enhancements in both their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. This progressive strengthening has culminated in them securing the top spot in Group H with four points. As they now look ahead to the quarterfinals, coach Xabi Alonso is leaving nothing to chance, demanding peak performance from his squad. Adding to the positive momentum, Kylian Mbappé is gradually rejoining team training, providing a crucial boost as the team prepares for the knockout stages.

Real Madrid's Quarterfinal Blueprint: "No Failures"

Despite their relatively comfortable position after topping their group (with RB Salzburg finishing second), Xabi Alonso is determined to avoid any complacency. The Basque coach is leveraging every training session at Real Madrid's Palm Beach Gardens headquarters to instill the right mindset in his players. His message is clear and emphatic: "We are going to play this game as if it were the Champions League final against PSG or a Clásico against Barcelona." Alonso's objective is simple – to prevent any draw or defeat that could diminish the growing optimism surrounding the team's improved form.

The hard work put in during training sessions appears to be paying dividends, and Alonso wants absolute commitment from every player. He's urged them, "Be at your best, don't fail me." For their loyal fans, Real Madrid promises an enhanced performance on the pitch, approaching every quarterfinal match with the intensity of a final. With Mbappé's gradual reincorporation, the squad will be nearing full strength, brimming with conviction and motivation to face any challenge that comes their way.

Real Madrid is working at full throttle, both on and off the pitch, to deliver a complete and dominant performance in the Club World Cup quarterfinals. Their meticulous preparation underscores their ambition to go all the way in the tournament.