Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid is interviewed during a training session in Florida on June 17, 2025, ahead of the Club World Cup 2025 football match between Spain's Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

MIAMI, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Expectations are high ahead of Real Madrid's debut at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as they face Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday.

The match marks Xabi Alonso's first official game as Real Madrid head coach. Although the former Madrid midfielder and ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss has had just over a week with the squad, all eyes will be on what early changes he has implemented.

Under former coach Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid covered among the least distance on the pitch and rarely applied a high press, instead relying on the pace of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo to hit on the break.

Alonso favored a high-pressing style at Leverkusen, with his players disrupting opponents' buildup from the back. Whether he can instill that mentality in Madrid after only a few sessions, particularly in Miami's heat, remains to be seen.

At Leverkusen, Alonso frequently deployed a back three with attacking full-backs. It is unclear if he will adopt a similar system with Madrid.

The arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool supports the use of wing-backs, and the England international appears poised to make his Real Madrid debut, along with Dean Huijsen, who signed from Bournemouth.

Huijsen impressed during the recent international break. His height and composure on the ball offer Madrid added flexibility, and it's easy to envision Mbappe and Vinicius exploiting gaps behind Al Hilal's defense as Huijsen delivers long passes from deep.

Vinicius remains under scrutiny following a disappointing domestic campaign, while Alonso must also finalize his central midfield pairing, likely Fede Valverde and possibly Dani Ceballos.

Al Hilal's lineup features several players familiar to Spanish fans, including former Barcelona and Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo, forward Malcom, and former Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi.

With a sell-out crowd expected, the match promises to provide a strong benchmark of the Saudi League's level against one of Europe's top clubs. ■

Luka Modric (C) of Real Madrid attends a training session in Florida on June 17, 2025, ahead of the Club World Cup 2025 football match between Spain's Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Aurelien Tchouameni (1st L) of Real Madrid attends a training session in Florida on June 17, 2025, ahead of the Club World Cup 2025 football match between Spain's Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Players of Real Madrid attend a training session in Florida on June 17, 2025, ahead of the Club World Cup 2025 football match between Spain's Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid is interviewed during a training session in Florida on June 17, 2025, ahead of the Club World Cup 2025 football match between Spain's Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Players of Real Madrid attend a training session in Florida on June 17, 2025, ahead of the Club World Cup 2025 football match between Spain's Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)