Decisive day in Group H of the Club World Cup: two matches that will determine the fate of the teams heading to the round of 16.

On one side, Al Hilal is seeking redemption against Pachuca to secure a spot in the round of 16, while on the other, there’s a head-to-head clash between Real Madrid and Salzburg, which could spell elimination for one of the two European teams. Energy, tension, and tactics blend together in these two crucial games.

The Saudis must win to stay in the race and play at home against a Pachuca side that is already eliminated. Despite the absence of Mitrović, Inzaghi’s eleven bring quality and focus, which should make the difference in the final minutes; the Mexicans have shown defensive cracks.

AL HILAL (4-2-3-1): Bounou; Lodi, Koulibaly, Al Tambakti, Cancelo; N. Al Dawsari, Neves; S. Aldawsari, Milinkovic-Savic, N. Al Dawsari; Marcos Leonardo. Coach: S. Inzaghi.

PACHUCA (4-3-3): Moreno; L. Rodriguez, Eduardo, Pereira, Gonzalez; Montiel, Pedraza, Palavecino; Dominguez, Rondon, Kenedy. Coach: Lozano.

Blancos are favorites to top the group: led by Xabi Alonso, they have accumulated 4 points and aim to secure first place without Mbappé but with an attacking line that remains dangerous. Salzburg, though young and well-organized, risks succumbing to the pressure but can still score.

SALZBURG (4-4-2): Zawieschitzky, Kratzig, Rasmussen, Gadou, Lainer; Gloukh, Diabaté, Bidstrup, Nene; Onisiwo, E. Baidoo. Coach: Letsch

REAL MADRID (4-3-3): Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, F. Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler, G. Garcia, Vinicius. Coach: Xabi Alonso

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

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