Why Juventus still believe against Real Madrid's billion-euro giants | OneFootball

Juventus are preparing for a heavyweight showdown with Real Madrid in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup, set for July 1 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. According to Mondo Bianconero and Tutto Juve, the continental giants meet after Juventus advanced despite a recent defeat to Manchester City, facing a Real Madrid squad whose depth and market value dwarf that of the Italians.

On paper, Real Madrid’s roster, valued at €1.33 billion, features some of world football’s most illustrious names. The combined worth of stars like Mbappé, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Valverde, and Rodrygo reportedly exceeds €750 million—well ahead of Juventus' entire squad, estimated at €575.7 million. This financial and individual strength underlines why Real Madrid are tipped as favourites, but history suggests this rivalry rarely runs to script.

This encounter marks their 22nd competitive meeting, but the first in this particular competition and venue: Miami’s 64,767-capacity Hard Rock Stadium. Past encounters have been fiercely contested, with Madrid holding 11 wins to Juve’s 8, and two draws. The stakes are high—a place in the quarter-finals against either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey awaits the winner.

Memories linger of their dramatic Champions League quarter-final in April 2018, when Juventus came close to overturning a 3-0 deficit in Madrid. Early goals from Mandzukic and Matuidi brought Juve level on aggregate, only for Cristiano Ronaldo’s last-minute penalty to end their hopes in controversial style.

Juventus have drawn on the heritage of their storied clashes with Real. Reflecting on their first official win over Madrid, the club recalls the 1996 Champions League quarter-final. Then, a Del Piero free kick and Padovano’s precise finish secured a 2-0 win at the Stadio Delle Alpi, sending the Bianconeri toward their eventual triumph in Rome. That performance stood out not just for the quality on show but for the way Juventus imposed themselves physically and tactically on a Madrid side used to controlling big European nights.

Heading into Miami, Juve’s challenge is clear. Few expect Igor Tudor’s side to dominate proceedings or outgun this modern Madrid in open combat. Yet, for Juventus and their supporters, recent and older history serve as reminders that reputations count for little once the whistle blows. The expectation, if not for an upset, is at least for a match in which focus, tactical balance, and resilience enable Juventus to bridge the gap—and perhaps write another chapter of unexpected glory in this enduring rivalry.

Sources: Mondo Bianconero, Tutto Juve

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