Real Madrid veteran eye for Club World Cup success after LaLiga loss to Barca

Barcelona have been confirmed the 2024/25 LaLiga champion following an emphatic 2-0 victory over rivals Espanyol on Thursday night.

Goals from Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez was enough for Barcelona to clinch the title from Real Madrid who will end the season without a major trophy. With Carlo Ancelotti now set to leave the club, all eyes will be on his replacement who will begin work at this summer’s Club World Cup tournament.

One player who can’t wait for the first-ever expanded Club World Cup is Real Madrid veteran right back Dani Carvajal. The Spain international has shared his enthusiasm for the tournament, set to take place in the United States between June and July.

Carvajal, currently in the final stretch of his recovery from injury, spoke to FIFA (h/t Mundo Deportivo) about the significance of the tournament and what it means for Los Blancos.

Daniel Carvajal of Real Madrid is training at Valdebebas training ground. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

The Spanish star emphasised the uniqueness of the event, noting that the format and host nation will give it the feel of an international football festival:

“Well, I think it’s going to be great. I imagine it will be similar to a World Cup for national teams because the entire country will be experiencing the tournament with such intensity. I think it’s going to be a huge success.”

Real Madrid are drawn into Group H alongside Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), and Red Bull Salzburg (Austria), and Carvajal is confident that his team is prepared for the challenge, thanks to previous encounters with these sides.

“So we have some experience playing against them. We are looking forward to June 18th to play our first match against Al-Hilal,” he added.

Carvajal highlighted that one of the most exciting aspects of the Club World Cup is the diversity of opposition.

Facing champions from different continents means Madrid will need to adapt quickly to a variety of playing styles—something Carvajal welcomes.“It’s going to be special because of the mix of different playing styles, leagues, and continents.”

Xabi Alonso is expected to take over when Carlo Ancelotti leaves and it’s been speculated that the former Bayern Leverkusen manager will bring in some fresh legs into the current squad.