- Al Hilal are still competing for a top-two spot in Group H
- RB Salzburg and Real Madrid, both with four points from two games, will face off in Philadelphia
Real Madrid were expected to easily progress through Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup, but the five-time champions have faced challenges along the way.
Following a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal in their first match, Xabi Alonso's team had to work hard for a 3-1 win over Pachuca as Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio received a red card in the early stages of the game.
Mexican team Pachuca is out of the running after losing their matches against RB Salzburg and Real Madrid, while Al Hilal needs a win to stay in contention for a spot in the knockout stage.
If Al Hilal wins and the match between Real Madrid and Salzburg does not end in a draw, then Al Hilal will advance to the next round as they are two points behind the top two teams.
Al Hilal vs Pachuca (Friday, 2am)
Pachuca managed to score in their losses to RB Salzburg and Real Madrid, and they may continue this trend in their final Group H clash against Al Hilal.
Despite facing Salzburg well, Pachuca couldn't take advantage of Real Madrid playing with 10 men for most of the game.
They will go up against a determined Al Hilal side under new coach Inzaghi, who previously guided Inter to the Champions League final.
Al Hilal boasts a squad with quality players such as Ruben Neves and a solid defense featuring Kalidou Koulibaly, Joao Cancelo, and Renan Lodi, along with goalkeeper Bono who impressed at the 2022 World Cup with Morocco.
As the top scorers in the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal will aim to secure a crucial win against eliminated Pachuca.
Score prediction: Al Hilal 2-1 Pachuca
RB Salzburg vs Real Madrid (Friday, 2am)
Real Madrid dominated RB Salzburg 5-1 in the Champions League back in January, and they are expected to avoid any setbacks in Philadelphia.
Despite facing challenges such as Mbappe's absence, missed penalties, and Asencio's early red card, Real Madrid is on track to finish on top of Group H.
Although Asencio will be suspended, Rudiger will provide a strong defensive presence, but Salzburg might find the net as Al Hilal and Pachuca did against Real.
Real Madrid may be without key players like Mbappe, Carvajal, Alaba, and Militao, but their attacking line, including Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Guler, and Garcia, should pose a threat to Salzburg.
Salzburg showed defensive vulnerabilities in their goalless draw with Al Hilal and in nine of their last 10 games, both teams scored.
Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-1 in their previous match and could secure the top spot in the group with a similar result.
Score prediction: RB Salzburg 1-3 Real Madrid