Real Madrid stars look ahead to Club World Cup after La Liga failure

Barcelona’s victory on Thursday confirmed them as La Liga champions, meaning that Real Madrid have now seen their title defence come to an end. It also means that Carlo Ancelotti’s side have won zero major honours in the 2024-25 season, but that could change this summer.

The first edition of the newly-revamped Club World Cup takes place in the United States, and Real Madrid are among the favourites to win the competition. And there will be a desire to achieve glory given their failings in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

As per Marca, Jude Bellingham has looked ahead to this summer’s tournament.

“We are facing the opportunity to win a different title, really. I think that’s the truth: to try to be the first club to win it. Obviously, Real Madrid deserves that kind of recognition. But I also think it’s being able to play in a place where I haven’t played regularly, in the United States, and also playing against opponents that I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to play against. So, for sure, I think there’s a lot of positives to it.

“I think all our games will be brilliant because we have fans all over the world. We went there in pre-season and every year even more fans arrive. It will be a wonderful thing for us because we always rely on the support we will have, no matter where we play.”

Dani Carvajal, who is hoping to return from injury in time to play some part in the United States, has also looked ahead to the Club World Cup (via Marca).

“I think it’s going to be great. I imagine that it will be similar to a FIFA World Cup with the national teams, because the whole country will experience the tournament with a lot of intensity. I think it will be a success.

“It mixes different styles of play, leagues and continents, that’s what makes it so special. This season we have already played against Pachuca and Salzburg, so we have some experience playing against them. We are really looking forward to the 18th of June for our first game against Al Hilal.”