Real Madrid’s decision to pay a premium to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool ahead of schedule for the FIFA Club World Cup is already proving worthwhile, as the Spanish giants prepare to take on Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals.

The England international created the only goal of the match for Gonzalo Garcia in a 1–0 victory over Juventus in the Round of 16, showcasing exactly the kind of attacking threat Madrid hoped he would bring. With manager Xabi Alonso switching to a back three once he had the personnel available, Alexander-Arnold has flourished as a right wing-back across the last two fixtures — a role he is expected to retain against Dortmund at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday.

Alexander-Arnold’s floated assist for Gonzalo epitomised the attacking precision that enticed Madrid to bring him in.

“He could have had many more assists already,” said goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
“In training, he’s horrible to play against. His corner kicks are another level.
I don’t think I’ve seen a guy with such quality. As a goalkeeper, it’s a nightmare — but it’ll make me better.”

Club captain Dani Carvajal has returned from a long-term injury but may be redeployed as a centre-back to accommodate Alexander-Arnold’s impact on the right.

Madrid reportedly spent up to €10 million to secure the 26-year-old’s release a month before his Liverpool contract expired. But that investment has already been recouped, with the club earning around €54 million upon reaching the quarter-finals.

After a shaky start at right-back in Madrid’s 1–1 group stage draw with Al Hilal, Alexander-Arnold has grown into the tournament. Manchester City’s dramatic 4–3 loss to the Saudi Arabian side subsequently cast some perspective on the Englishman’s earlier struggles, suggesting they were not entirely his fault.

Rematch with a Twist

Madrid famously defeated Dortmund in the 2024 UEFA Champions League final and also produced a stunning 5–2 comeback win over them during the group stage of the current competition. However, both squads have undergone significant changes since then.

Under new head coaches — Alonso for Madrid and Niko Kovac for Dortmund — both clubs are forging new identities. Kovac, appointed in January, has guided the German side to qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Madrid’s recent acquisitions of Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen have brought renewed solidity to their backline, while Dortmund have added Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Madrid star Jude Bellingham, from Sunderland.

However, the highly anticipated sibling showdown has been postponed — Jobe will miss the clash due to suspension after picking up a yellow card in Dortmund’s 2–1 victory over Monterrey.

Kylian Mbappé, who failed to score in Madrid’s previous rout of Dortmund amid a dip in confidence, is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from a stomach bug. He came on as a substitute against Juventus and now looks set to replace Gonzalo, despite the young forward having scored three goals in the tournament so far.

“It’s inexplicable,” Gonzalo said of his goal against Juventus.
“I saw a great ball coming in from Trent, I saw Rüdiger didn’t get to it, and I said to myself, ‘This is mine!’”

Madrid manager Alonso, formerly of Bayer Leverkusen, now faces familiar Bundesliga opposition.

“We know him very well,” said Dortmund boss Kovac.
“He worked two and a half years in Germany and did a fantastic job.
Now he’s implementing everything he had at Leverkusen at Real Madrid — just with different players.

“We’re looking forward to it, but you have to play football for 90 minutes. If we bring the same level of performance we showed against Monterrey, we have a good chance.”