Real Madrid vs. Pachuca | Club World Cup | Group Stage - Matchday 2 of 3 | Pre Match
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca
Real Madrid, the Spanish titans with a storied legacy in global club competitions, are poised to strengthen their position in Group H of the Club World Cup as they face Mexican side Pachuca on Sunday. Sitting second in their group after a lackluster 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in their tournament opener, Los Blancos are under pressure to deliver a commanding performance to bolster their chances of advancing to the round of 16. Despite their underwhelming start, Real Madrid remain among the favorites to lift the trophy, but a slip-up against Pachuca could jeopardize their campaign, leaving them vulnerable heading into their final group match against Red Bull Salzburg. The absence of star forward Kylian Mbappé, who was recently hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis, has compounded the challenges for new head coach Xabi Alonso, who is tasked with navigating a transitional phase for the club while contending with a lengthy injury list. For Pachuca, the stakes are even higher. The Mexican outfit, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Salzburg in their opening match, face elimination if they fall to Real Madrid. Despite their loss, Pachuca’s rich history in the Club World Cup and their recent competitive showing against Salzburg suggest they could pose a threat if Real Madrid are not at their best. This clash at Hard Rock Stadium promises to be a compelling battle between a European powerhouse and a battle-hardened CONCACAF side eager to upset the odds.
Real Madrid’s opening match against Al-Hilal was a far cry from the dominant displays that have defined their illustrious history in international competitions. The 1-1 draw exposed frailties in a side grappling with injuries and a lack of cohesion under Alonso’s fledgling tenure. Gonzalo García gave Los Blancos the lead in the 34th minute, capitalizing on a well-worked move to spark hopes of a comfortable victory. However, their advantage was short-lived, as Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves converted a late first-half penalty to level the scores. The second half saw both teams struggle to create clear-cut chances, with Real Madrid’s attack lacking the cutting edge typically provided by Mbappé. The debuts of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen as starters offered glimpses of promise, but the overall performance was disjointed, raising questions about the team’s readiness for the tournament. Alonso, who took the reins at the Bernabéu amid high expectations, is acutely aware of the challenges ahead, particularly given Barcelona’s dominance in La Liga last season. A victory against Pachuca would not secure immediate qualification for the knockout phase, but it would place Real Madrid in a commanding position heading into their final group fixture. The absence of Mbappé, who remains a doubt after his recent hospitalization, is a significant blow, and the injury list extends to key players like Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Éder Militão, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick. Antonio Rüdiger offers a glimmer of hope, with a chance of returning to the squad, but Alonso will likely rely on the likes of Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, and García to fill the voids. The match against Pachuca represents a critical opportunity for Real Madrid to rediscover their rhythm and assert their credentials as genuine contenders.
Pachuca, meanwhile, enter the match as underdogs but with a reputation for resilience and a storied history in the Club World Cup. The Mexican side, who secured their place in the 2025 tournament through their 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup triumph, are no strangers to the global stage, having competed in four previous editions of the competition. However, their opening defeat to Red Bull Salzburg has left them bottom of Group H and in desperate need of a result against Real Madrid to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Against Salzburg, Pachuca showed flashes of quality, holding their own for much of the match before succumbing to a 76th-minute strike from Karim Onisiwo. The 2-1 scoreline flattered Salzburg, as Pachuca created several scoring opportunities but lacked the clinical edge needed to salvage a point. Head coach Jaime Lozano, who has built a reputation for instilling discipline and attacking flair in his teams, is likely to stick with the same starting XI that performed admirably against Salzburg. At the heart of Pachuca’s attack is 35-year-old striker Salomón Rondón, whose 17 goals in the 2024-25 campaign underscore his enduring potency. Alongside Rondón, former Chelsea winger Kenedy, on loan from Real Valladolid, brings pace and creativity to the final third, posing a potential threat to Real Madrid’s depleted defense. Pachuca’s familiarity with Real Madrid adds an intriguing subplot to the fixture, as the two sides met in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, where Los Blancos cruised to a 3-0 victory with goals from Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior. That defeat still lingers in Pachuca’s memory, and Lozano will be keen to exact a measure of revenge while keeping his team’s tournament aspirations alive.
The tactical approaches of Alonso and Lozano will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this high-stakes encounter. Real Madrid are expected to line up in a flexible formation, with Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen likely to retain their places in the starting XI. Gonzalo García, who impressed against Al-Hilal, is set to continue as a central attacking figure in Mbappé’s absence, supported by the likes of Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior, who will need to step up to fill the void left by their injured teammate. Alonso’s challenge will be to instill greater cohesion and intensity in his side, particularly in the final third, where they struggled against Al-Hilal. For Pachuca, Lozano’s strategy will likely center on maintaining a compact defensive shape while exploiting Real Madrid’s vulnerabilities on the counter. Rondón’s physicality and goal-scoring instincts will be crucial, as will Kenedy’s ability to stretch the opposition defense with his direct running. Lozano’s decision to field an unchanged lineup reflects his confidence in the team’s ability to compete, but he will need his players to be at their sharpest to withstand Real Madrid’s attacking talent. The match will also test both teams’ ability to adapt to the unique demands of the Club World Cup, where the gap between European and non-European clubs continues to narrow, as evidenced by Pachuca’s competitive showing against Salzburg.
This fixture carries profound implications for both Real Madrid and Pachuca, as well as for the broader narrative of the Club World Cup. For Los Blancos, a victory would reaffirm their status as favorites and provide a much-needed boost for Alonso, who is under pressure to deliver silverware in his debut season. A poor result, however, could plunge Real Madrid into crisis, with their final group match against Salzburg looming as a potential decider. For Pachuca, the match represents a chance to make history by toppling one of football’s most decorated clubs and keeping their knockout stage dreams alive. The Mexican side’s experience in the Club World Cup and their recent encounter with Real Madrid give them a foundation to build upon, but they will need to produce a near-perfect performance to secure a result. As the football world turns its attention to Hard Rock Stadium, the stage is set for a gripping contest that will test the resolve, tactical acumen, and star power of both teams. The outcome of this match could shape the trajectory of their respective campaigns and serve as a defining moment in the 2025 Club World Cup.
