Much has been said about FC Barcelona’s absence from the new format of the 2025 Club World Cup, and there’s no doubt that many Culé fans miss seeing their big stars in this FIFA-organized competition, which is already a global spectacle in its own right.

However, that doesn’t mean Barça isn’t present in some way at the tournament. During the second matchday of Group H, in the game between Real Madrid and Mexico’s Pachuca, BeIN Sports cameras spotted two Blaugrana fans among the Merengue crowd, proving that the passion for the Catalan club transcends borders and absences.

Barcelona presence in the stands during the Real Madrid game

Jumping and enjoying the stadium atmosphere, these Barcelona infiltrators were unexpected protagonists in the match’s buildup. Undoubtedly, many wonder what this tournament would have been like with the participation of stars like Lionel Yamal, Raphinha, or Robert Lewandowski, who could have raised the competition’s level even further.

What does Real Madrid need to advance to the 2025 Club World Cup Round of 16?

With a commanding victory over Pachuca and a draw against Al Hilal, the team managed by Xabi Alonso leads Group H of the Club World Cup with four points, tied with RB Salzburg, their next and final group-stage opponent.

Thanks to their goal difference (+2), Real Madrid controls their own destiny to advance. A draw against Salzburg will be enough to secure their spot in the next round as group leaders. A win would also qualify them without needing to monitor the result of the Al Hilal vs. Pachuca match, with Pachuca already eliminated after two consecutive losses.

The only scenario that could knock Real Madrid out of the round of 16 would be a loss to Salzburg combined with an Al Hilal victory over Pachuca. It’s worth noting that the Merengue side already thrashed Salzburg in January this year in the Champions League, with a resounding 5-1 scoreline.

Possible opponents for Real Madrid in the Round of 16

Real Madrid’s opponent in the round of 16 will come from Group E, where a high-stakes battle is unfolding between Juventus and Manchester City, both with 6 points. Pep Guardiola’s team, a familiar foe for the Merengue in the Champions League, boasts a favorable goal difference (8 goals for, 0 against), while the Vecchia Signora has scored 9 goals and conceded only 1.

Everything will be decided on the third matchday, in what could be a preview of a European final, now within the framework of the 2025 Club World Cup.