Two European football giants, Real Madrid and Juventus, are set to clash in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on July 1, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This highly anticipated matchup pits Real Madrid’s attacking flair against Juventus’ resurgent form under manager Igor Tudor.
With a quarter-final spot on the line, both teams are coming off strong group stage performances, though Real Madrid’s depth and experience make them slight favorites. The historical rivalry between these two clubs, marked by memorable Champions League encounters, adds extra intrigue to this knockout stage showdown. Recent form, team news, and tactical approaches will play a significant role in determining the outcome of this blockbuster fixture.
Prediction
Real Madrid enter this match as favorites, having topped Group H with a 2-1-0 record, scoring seven goals and conceding just two. Their 3-0 victory over Salzburg showcased their attacking fluidity, with Vinicius Jr., Fede Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia finding the net. Despite a disappointing 2024/25 season overall, their recent form in the Club World Cup suggests they are hitting their stride.
Juventus, meanwhile, secured convincing wins over Al Ain (5-0) and Wydad (4-1) but struggled defensively in a 5-2 loss to Manchester City, highlighting vulnerabilities against top-tier opposition. The potential return of Kylian Mbappé could further tilt the scales in Real Madrid’s favor, though Juventus’ counter-attacking threat, led by Kenan Yildiz and Dušan Vlahović, cannot be underestimated. Expect a tightly contested match, with Real Madrid likely to edge out a 2-1 victory thanks to a moment of brilliance from Vinicius Jr. or Jude Bellingham.
Possible lineups
Real Madrid’s predicted lineup in a 4-3-3 formation includes Thibaut Courtois in goal, with a backline of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, and Fran García. The midfield trio is expected to feature Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde, providing a balance of defensive solidity and creative spark. Up front, Arda Güler, Gonzalo Garcia, and Vinicius Jr. are likely to lead the attack, with Kylian Mbappé potentially returning as a substitute or starter if fit. Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Endrick remain sidelined due to injuries.
For Juventus, a 3-4-3 setup is anticipated, with Michele Di Gregorio in goal, protected by a defensive trio of Pierre Kalulu, Federico Gatti, and Gleison Bremer. The midfield is likely to consist of Andrea Cambiaso, Manuel Locatelli, Khephren Thuram, and Francisco Conceição, with Kenan Yildiz, Dušan Vlahović, and Teun Koopmeiners forming a dynamic attacking unit. Juan Cabal and Mattia Perin are expected to miss out due to injuries, while Nicolo Savona is doubtful.
Betting tips
Given the attacking quality on both sides and defensive frailties exposed in recent matches, betting on both teams to score (BTTS) is a strong option, with odds around 1.57 reflecting a high probability of goals at both ends. Another solid bet is over 2.5 goals, with odds of approximately 1.95, as both teams have shown a tendency to produce high-scoring games in the tournament.
Real Madrid’s slight edge in form and quality makes them a favorable pick for the win, with odds for a Real Madrid victory typically around 1.80. For a riskier bet, consider Vinicius Jr. to score anytime, given his recent form and pivotal role in Real Madrid’s attack. Juventus’ counter-attacking style could keep the game close, so a correct score bet of 2-1 to Real Madrid at around 8.00 odds could offer value.