Xabi Alonso urges Real Madrid not to underestimate ‘historic’ Juventus | OneFootball

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has urged his side not to underestimate Juventus, as the two clubs prepare to meet in the Club World Cup round of 16.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso looks on ahead of kick-off in the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Both teams made light work of their group – Real Madrid finishing top of their group on seven points and Juventus finishing in second place in theirs with six points. Madrid dropped points against Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal whilst Igor Tudor’s side lost 5-2 to Manchester City in the final group stage match.

Despite this thumping at the hands of the Premier League giants, Xabi Alonso has urged his Real Madrid not to underestimate the Bianconeri, with quotes via Tuttosport, arguing that “the result against [Manchester] City doesn’t matter – they have a great team and it will be really tough.”

Alonso on Juventus threat to Real Madrid and Mbappe fitness

Alonso is aware of the threat the Old Lady pose, adding that “once you get past the group stage, every match feels like a final. Juve is Juve – they are a historic club in Europe.”

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 11: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Jude Bellingham during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe’s availability may prove decisive, with the player a doubt after recovering from a stomach-related injury. When asked about the French forward, Alonso said “We need Kylian, obviously. We want him back as soon as possible and in the best condition. He’s one of the best players in the world so I hope that he will be ready. I can’t guarantee he’ll play but we are optimistic.”

Mbappe was instrumental for Real Madrid last season after his move from PSG, scoring 31 goals and assisting three in 34 La Liga matches. However, Madrid failed to win their domestic title, with Hansi Flick’s Barcelona proving too tough to overcome.