Real Madrid and Pachuca Set for Clash in FIFA Club World Cup
Real Madrid and Pachuca are gearing up for a rematch in the FIFA Club World Cup, six months after their meeting in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, where Madrid emerged victorious with a 3-0 win.
Both teams are looking to bounce back from disappointing starts to their campaigns. Real Madrid managed a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal, marking Xabi Alonso’s first match at the helm, while Pachuca suffered a 2-1 loss to RB Salzburg.
With the Group H match taking place at Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina, both teams will be aiming for three points as they pursue qualification for the knockout stage.
Recent Form
| Real Madrid | Pachuca |
|---|---|
| 1–1 vs. Al Hilal | 1–2 vs. Salzburg |
| 2–0 vs. Real Sociedad | 0–2 vs. Club América |
| 2–0 vs. Sevilla | 0–0 vs. Club América |
| 2–1 vs. Mallorca | 2–1 vs. Monterrey |
| 3–2 vs. Barcelona | 2–1 vs. San Luis |
Match Details
- Date: Sunday
- Location: Bank of America Stadium, North Carolina
- TV/Live Stream: TNT, truTV, DAZN, TUDN, Univision NOW (USA); DAZN UK (UK); DAZN Canada (Canada); DAZN, tabii (Mexico)
Injury Updates
Kylian Mbappé remains sidelined due to illness stemming from gastroenteritis, leaving Real Madrid without one of their key players. Coach Alonso may turn to 21-year-old Gonzalo García, who scored the team’s only goal against Al Hilal.
Pachuca’s only injury concern is Andrés Micolta, who is recovering from a torn ACL. Manager Jaime Lozano will likely field a strong lineup, with pressure on veteran Salomón Rondón, who scored 26 goals last season.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, García; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Gonzalo García.
Pachuca (4-3-3): Moreno; Rodríguez, Eduardo, Pereira, González; Montiel, Pedraza, Palavecino; Domínguez, Rondón, Kenedy.
Match Prediction
This matchup could be tightly contested, with Real Madrid favored to win 2-1, despite recent injuries casting doubts on their dominance.
For more updates on the FIFA Club World Cup, stay tuned for the latest news and player ratings.