In the world of club championships, where unique weather situations often take the spotlight, Real Madrid found themselves facing a particularly challenging journey. With extensive delays and circling in the air, the Spanish team endured an eternal trip leading up to their semifinal showdown. The Merengues had wrapped up their preparations for the international championship clash against Paris Saint Germain at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey. Their plan was to depart from Miami on Tuesday at 4:00 PM local time. However, this schedule was far from being realized.
The ordeal began just moments before takeoff bound for New York. Once again, as they had experienced throughout the tournament, storms looming over Miami forced a delay in departure. Consequently, the flight that was supposed to take off at 4:00 PM was pushed back by an hour and a half. Besides the physical exhaustion such a situation can cause, concerns started arising within Real Madrid regarding their FIFA obligations. A mixed zone interaction involving Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, and Jacobo Ramón was scheduled for 7:15 PM while coach Xabi Alonso was expected to attend a press conference at 7:30 PM.
As if that wasn’t enough, while already airborne minutes before 7:00 PM, the aircraft had no choice but to circle due to Newark airport not granting landing clearance yet. Initially circling over Virginia and later closer to Newark in Allentown led the Spanish team officials to cancel their media appearances—a decision FIFA understood and later communicated. Meanwhile, PSG coach Luis Enrique indulged journalists in the press room.
It wasn’t until 8:53 PM—four hours and 53 minutes past their intended departure time—that Real Madrid finally arrived in New Jersey for their semifinal concentration after what seemed like an endless flight they should have completed at least two hours earlier. An hour later around 10:00 PM, Florentino Pérez-led delegation entered a hotel near World Trade Center to rest ahead of the match.
The prolonged journey tested Real Madrid’s endurance as they utilized every available moment to rest and strategize for securing a spot in the Club World Cup final where Chelsea awaited after eliminating Fluminense with a 2-0 victory.
The anticipation built as fans eagerly awaited kickoff between PSG and Real Madrid on Wednesday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with Mbappé’s participation uncertain.
Regarding Real Madrid’s starting lineup against PSG under Xabi Alonso’s guidance; speculation pointed towards:
Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander Arnold; Marco Asencio; Antonio Rudiger; Fran García; Aurelien Tchouaméni; Federico Valverde; Jude Bellingham; Arda Güler; Vinicius Junior alongside either Mbappé or Gonzalo.
In conclusion,
Real Madrid navigated through unforeseen challenges during their marathon journey but remained focused on achieving success on the field despite external disruptions looming overhead.
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