Juventus and Man City compete for the top spot to avoid meeting Real Madrid in the round of 16? - Photo: REUTERS
After the first two matches of Group G of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Juventus and Man City have won 6 absolute points, temporarily leading the rankings and officially winning tickets to the next round. The big match between the two teams only has the meaning of determining the top position in the group.
Group G runner-up could meet Real Madrid
Because in Group H, Real Madrid is likely to win the top spot. The Spanish Royal team is leading Group H with 4 points, equal with Salzburg but with a better goal difference.
If coach Xavi Alonso's team defeats Salzburg, they will of course top the group, there is no doubt.
In case of a draw with Salzburg, Real Madrid will also almost top the group.
If Real Madrid draws with Salzburg and Al Hilal wins against Pachua, the Group H situation will be very complicated. Then the three teams Real Madrid, Al Hilal and Salzburg will have 5 points. Because Real Madrid drew with Al Hilal 1-1 but Al Hilal and Salzburg held each other to a 0-0 draw, it will be very advantageous when considering the confrontation of the Spanish Royal team.
In the case of a 0-0 draw with Salzburg, whether Real Madrid will win the group or not depends on how many goals Al Hilal wins against Pachuca. But if Real Madrid draws with Salzburg by a score of 1-1 or more, Xabi Alonso's team will definitely win the group regardless of the match at the same time.
With Real Madrid having a 90% chance of winning Group H, Juventus and Man City both want to top the group. This position could avoid facing the royal team in the round of 16.
Disadvantage for Man City
Real Madrid gets to "choose" their opponent in the round of 16 - Photo: REUTERS
If calculated in this way, Man City is at a disadvantage. Because coach Pep Guardiola and his team must beat Juventus to take the top spot while the "old lady" only needs a draw.
Man City have two options: Either try their best to beat Juventus and win the top spot, or play a formality match with Juventus and rest up for the round of 16.
As for Real Madrid, they play later so they have the right to choose their opponents. Experts also believe that Real Madrid will not care who they will meet in the round of 16 because Man City and Juventus are almost equal in strength.
Furthermore, Real Madrid's position as the top candidate for the championship means that other teams will avoid them, not the other way around. With Groups G and H almost decided in the final round, it will be interesting to see how the big teams plan for the road ahead.
* Matches in the FIFA Club World Cup are broadcast exclusively on FPT Play. Please follow the schedule of the final matches of groups E and F here.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/man-city-juventus-co-tinh-duong-ne-real-madrid-20250626112211243.htm
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