The absence of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, sidelined by a calf injury, puts the spotlight on Al-Hilal’s Brazilian trio—Malcom, Marcos Leonardo, and Wesley Teixeira—for their Club World Cup opener against Real Madrid on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The match, part of Group H’s first round, rekindles the 2022 final, where Real Madrid defeated Al-Hilal 5-3. With Mitrovic out due to a muscular injury, confirmed by coach Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal leans on its Brazilian stars to challenge the tournament’s most decorated club, now led by Xabi Alonso, in a highly anticipated clash.
Al-Hilal, runners-up in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League, enters the Club World Cup with a star-studded squad featuring João Cancelo and Kalidou Koulibaly, but the Brazilians are the offensive hope without Mitrovic. Malcom, formerly of Corinthians, shines with his speed and dribbling, while Marcos Leonardo, ex-Santos, may take the lead in attack.
- Confirmed absences: Besides Mitrovic, Al-Shahrani and Kaio César are out injured.
- Brazilian firepower: Malcom scored 12 goals this season; Marcos Leonardo, five.
- Track record: Al-Hilal led the Saudi league in scoring with 95 goals.
The match has extra flavor for the Brazilians, who face a Real Madrid side led by Vinicius Jr., named FIFA’s best player. The rivalry among Brazil’s talents adds spice to the encounter.
Our squad for today’s match against Real Madrid in #FIFACWC ⭐️💙 pic.twitter.com/ivF6ILfSxk
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) June 18, 2025
Brazilians in the spotlight
Malcom, 28, is Al-Hilal’s main weapon without Mitrovic. The former Corinthians and Barcelona star is in top form, with 12 goals and eight assists this season. His ability to operate on the wings and create plays will be vital against Real Madrid’s defense, bolstered by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Marcos Leonardo, 22, is still vying for a starting spot, but Mitrovic’s absence gives the ex-Santos striker a chance to prove his goal-scoring instinct. Wesley Teixeira, a 24-year-old defender, is a bench option and could see action if Inzaghi needs to shore up the backline.
The Brazilian trio represents the new wave of the country’s football, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Neymar, a former Al-Hilal star. Malcom recently spoke about the importance of representing Brazil in the Club World Cup: “It’s a chance to show our worth against the best.” The Saudi fanbase, set to pack Hard Rock Stadium, expects the Brazilians to deliver.
High-pressure preparation
Simone Inzaghi, making his Al-Hilal debut, faces the task of aligning the team with just four training sessions. Mitrovic’s injury, with 28 goals in 36 games this season, forces a rethink of the attack. Inzaghi praised Real Madrid’s quality and Xabi Alonso’s work but expressed confidence in the Brazilians. “Malcom and Marcos have the talent to turn the game,” he said, also noting the defensive solidity of Koulibaly and Yassine Bounou.
Al-Hilal has spent $2.96 billion on signings since 2023 but chose not to make major moves in the extra transfer window for the Club World Cup, relying on its current roster. The Brazilians are now central to the strategy, especially against a Real Madrid side that averages 58% possession.
Storied rivalry
The matchup revisits the 2022 Club World Cup final, where Real Madrid triumphed 5-3 in a thrilling eight-goal game. Vinicius Jr. scored twice, while Al-Hilal fought back with goals from Moussa Marega and Luciano Vietto. The 2025 edition, with an expanded 32-team format, raises the stakes.
- 2022 stats: Real Madrid averaged 16.7 shots per game; Al-Hilal, 7.2 on target.
- Brazilians on the pitch: Vinicius Jr. was decisive in 2022; Malcom aims to match his impact.
- Playing styles: Al-Hilal leaned on counterattacks; Real Madrid controlled possession.
Group H, which includes Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg, promises balance, but the clash with Real Madrid is the ultimate test for Al-Hilal’s Brazilians.
Mitrovic’s absence looms large
Aleksandar Mitrovic, 30, is Al-Hilal’s offensive cornerstone. Standing at 189 cm with a commanding physical presence, the Serbian excels in aerial plays and set pieces. His muscular calf injury, with no set recovery timeline, is a concern for the medical staff. Mitrovic has faced physical setbacks this season, including a cardiac arrhythmia in November 2024 that sidelined him for an AFC Champions League match.
Without him, Marcos Leonardo gets a shot at starting. The young striker, signed for $95 million, has five goals this season but is seen as a rising star. Inzaghi may deploy him as a traditional No. 9 or opt for a more fluid setup, with Malcom in a central role and Salem Al-Dawsari on the wing.
Tactical battle
Al-Hilal is likely to rely on Malcom and Al-Dawsari’s speed on the flanks, with Rúben Neves anchoring the midfield. Inzaghi, known for his defensive organization, may adopt a cautious approach, looking for counterattacks led by the Brazilians. The backline, with Koulibaly and Bounou, will be tested by Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., the latter in top form with 43 goals this season.
Real Madrid, despite missing Camavinga, Alaba, and Endrick, boasts a strong squad. Xabi Alonso is expected to field Tchouaméni and Bellingham in midfield, with Mbappé (questionable due to a fever) and Vinicius Jr. up top. Alonso’s high-pressing style could disrupt Al-Hilal’s build-up, but Malcom’s dribbling ability is a key counterweapon.
Key stats
Al-Hilal averages 2.8 goals and 7.2 shots on target per game, even without Mitrovic. Real Madrid, with 16.7 shots per match, overwhelms opposing defenses.
- Corners: Real Madrid, 6.4 per game; Al-Hilal, 7.2.
- Goals conceded: Real Madrid, 1 per game; Al-Hilal, 0.9.
- Efficiency: Vinicius Jr., 43 goals; Malcom, 12.
- Possession: Real Madrid, 58%; Al-Hilal, 54%.
The match promises goals, with Al-Hilal’s Brazilians under scrutiny. Malcom’s flair could be a game-changer in one-on-one situations.
Club World Cup’s new era
The 2025 Club World Cup, held in the U.S., features 32 teams across eight groups. Hard Rock Stadium, with a 65,000 capacity, expects a full house, with broadcasts on Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, DAZN, and Globoplay. The Argentine refereeing crew, led by Facundo Tello, will be closely watched given the game’s magnitude.
Al-Hilal, the 2021 Asian champions, aims to cement its global status. The Brazilians, led by Malcom, carry the weight of representing both the club and Brazilian football. Real Madrid, with nine titles, chases a tenth, backed by Vinicius Jr. and a revamped squad.
Fan support
Saudi fans, renowned for their passion, will turn Hard Rock Stadium into a cauldron, despite the distance from home. Al-Hilal’s Brazilians, used to high stakes, will also have support from Brazilian fans in Miami, drawn by the matchup against Vinicius Jr. Inzaghi emphasized team unity: “Our Brazilians know how to handle big games.”
Overcoming adversity
With three players out, including Mitrovic, Al-Hilal banks on Malcom’s versatility and Marcos Leonardo’s potential to surprise. Wesley Teixeira, though a substitute, is an option to bolster the defense against Real Madrid’s attack. Real Madrid, under Alonso, faces pressure to start strong, with Vinicius Jr. as the main threat. Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m., and Al-Hilal’s Brazilians are ready to shine.
