Real Madrid Eye Club World Cup Glory Amid Fixture Controversy and Leadership Transition
July 07, 2025: Real Madrid will have a golden opportunity to end their underwhelming season on a high note when they take on a buoyant Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal at MetLife Stadium. With no trophies yet this season, a sixth FIFA Club World Cup title would offer a timely morale boost and help set the tone for a strong comeback in the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, off the pitch, Madrid are pushing for changes to their domestic calendar. The club has reportedly written to La Liga requesting the rescheduling of their opening league fixture against Osasuna, currently set for August 19. According to the letter, Real Madrid have already reached a consensus with both Osasuna and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to move the fixture to October 29.
The Spanish Footballers’ Association has also supported this move, citing the need for players to have a proper pre-season recovery and preparation period. However, La Liga president Javier Tebas is reportedly reluctant to grant the rescheduling request, and a final decision is still pending.
Should the match be moved, it would create a congested calendar for Madrid, as the new date falls between a high-stakes El Clasico and a clash with Valencia. New manager Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti after the latter took over the Brazil national team, faces a tough road ahead.
Madrid finished last season as runners-up to FC Barcelona in La Liga, lost to their rivals in the Copa del Rey final, and suffered a humbling Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal. Xabi Alonso now carries the burden of restoring pride and silverware to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Lifting the FIFA Club World Cup could mark the perfect start to Alonso’s tenure and set the tone for a revived and determined Real Madrid in the upcoming season.