Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for Club World Cup group match

Still carrying a host of injuries into the summer, Real Madrid open their 2025 Club World Cup as they face star-studded Saudi side Al Hilal in Miami on Wednesday.

With it will come two major debuts for Madrid, as new manager Xabi Alonso takes charge for the first time, and new marquee signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen may also feature for the first time.

While it might feel like Real Madrid could experiment throughout this summer tournament in preparation for the coming season with so many changes to the squad, Los Blancos are taking the Club World Cup seriously. They have paid an extra €10 million to bring Alexander-Arnold in early to participate, and they convinced Jude Bellingham to put off shoulder surgery until after the tournament.

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Alonso will be forced to begin his Madrid tenure without the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick, as all are carrying injuries from the end of last season.

The first test is significant, as they face the 2021 AFC Champions League winners and 2023/24 Saudi Pro League champions. Their roster boasts players with European experience, including the likes of Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Kalidou Koulibaly. 

MORE: Predicted lineups, team news, and latest injury updates ahead of Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal

Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal prediction, odds

• Moneyline lean: Real Madrid (-360 on DraftKings)
• Score prediction: Real Madrid 3-2 Al Hilal

Real Madrid did not finish last season at the level they expect to be, and it's likely those struggles carry over into the summer as they are missing a large number key players due to injury, especially at the back. However, the arrival of highly rated head coach Xabi Alonso should have an immediate effect, and they should be up for the challenge.

This will be a difficult game. While other Saudi Pro League teams struggle with inconsistent transfer strategies and poor scouting, Al Hilal have done well to build a strong team of complementary players that haven't only arrived for name recognition.

Still, while Real Madrid may struggle against the best European clubs in this field or even some South American sides, they should manage to get through these early tests.

Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal match facts

• Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)
• Referee: Facundo Tello (ARG)
• Last meeting: Real Madrid 5-3 Al Hilal (Feb. 11, 2023 | Club World Cup)

MORE: A complete guide to betting on soccer in the United States

Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal best bet

• Pick: Over 3.5 total goals
• Odds: -105 (DraftKings)

Much like the last time they met at the Club World Cup two years ago, there is significant silliness potential to this game.

These two teams love to play on the counter-attack and strike their opponent in transitional moments, an approach which will be further exacerbated by the arrival of Xabi Alonso who builds his tactical approach around such attacking opportunities.

As Real Madrid work to grip Alonso's tactics, there could be the potential for mistakes by a patchwork Blancos back line beset by injuries. Asking young Raul Asencio to learn the manager's system immediately might be a tall order, and new center-back signing Dean Huijsen may also need time to adapt

If things break down early as they work out the kinks, it could force Real Madrid to open up their attack even more than normal, which could result in a fun, back-and-forth match.

Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal prop bet

• Pick: Aleksandar Mitrovic anytime goal scorer
• Odds: +270 (DraftKings)

Few European stars have taken to their big-money move to Saudi Arabia like Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has been exceptional for Al Hilal over his two seasons at the club. Since moving from Fulham, Mitro has remained on fire, scoring 47 goals over two Saudi league campaigns, plus another 14 in 18 AFC Champions League games.

Real Madrid's injury-stricken defensive unit has struggled against set pieces and aerial presences, and Mitrovic excels in those situations. He comes into this tournament in great form, scoring six goals over the club's final seven league games to conclude their season, and is the perfect player to give Real Madrid fits at the back.