Real Madrid could have a new-look attacking unit tonight vs PSG – report | OneFootball

In a matter of few hours, Real Madrid face their biggest test so far in the Xabi Alonso era as they take on PSG in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

It will also mark the first time that Los Blancos’ superstar, Kylian Mbappe, faces his former employers since leaving the club last summer.

Heading into the contest, though, Alonso has been presented with a couple of selection dilemmas, one of which involves Mbappe himself and breakout star Gonzalo Garcia

After all, the Frenchman missed the first three games of the tournament due to illness and has only featured as a substitute since. In that time, Garcia has made a big impact, racking up match-winning contributions.

As such, Alonso is facing the decision of whether to start Mbappe by dropping his in-form forward against PSG or continue to bench the biggest superstar in the squad for a high-profile semi-final.

Both Gonzalo and Mbappe to start?

However, now, according to Ruben Martin of AS, the idea of both Gonzalo Garcia and Kylian Mbappe starting together in Real Madrid’s attack is gaining weight in recent hours.

Mbappe and Gonzalo to start together? (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Whether that means Xabi Alonso decides to bench Vinicius Jr. or opts to go in with a three-man frontline involving the Brazilian as well is unclear at the moment.

Gonzalo, without a doubt, has been one of the major revelations of the tournament so far, having scored four goals in five games along with an assist. Given his contributions, benching him would be a difficult decision for Alonso.

At the same time, Mbappe has also recovered fully and found the back of the net in the quarter-finals against Borussia Dortmund. Considering he has been Real Madrid’s top scorer in his debut season, having him in team for a blockbuster game is pretty much a no-brainer.

So, it might well turn out that Alonso decides to go with both Gonzalo and Mbappe tonight – something that former Real Madrid star and director Pedja Mijatovic suggested.

However, whether that comes at the expense of Vinicius or a midfielder will be interesting to see.