No Mbappé in Madrid’s Starting XI: Xabi Alonso Names Line‑up vs Dortmund

Real Madrid will square off against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup in a few minutes.

Ahead of the game, winners of which will face PSG in the semi-finals, Xabi Alonso has announced the starting lineup for Real Madrid.

Once again, the Real Madrid boss has made no changes, meaning Kylian Mbappe is left out on the bench despite having recovered from gastroenteritis. Instead, it is Gonzalo Garcia who gets the nod in attack alongside Vinicius Jr.

The midfield unit sees Arda Guler start along with Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni, who will drop into the defensive line depending on game-states.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, and Fran Garcia form the backline in front of Thibaut Courtois.

Rodrygo remains on the bench for another match as uncertainty lingers over his future.