Real Madrid Set to Face Pachuca Again in FIFA Club World Cup
Real Madrid and Pachuca will renew their rivalry in the FIFA Club World Cup, six months after their encounter in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, where Madrid secured a 3-0 victory.
Both teams failed to win their opening matches in the United States. Real Madrid drew 1-1 against Al Hilal during Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut, while Pachuca lost 2-1 to RB Salzburg.
The Spanish giants aim to bounce back in North Carolina, hoping to replicate their December performance. Pachuca will be looking for revenge after their earlier defeat.
With qualification to the round of 16 on the line, both teams are keen to collect crucial points at Bank of America Stadium.
Match Details
- Kick-off: TBD, Bank of America Stadium
Head-to-Head Record
- Real Madrid: 1 win
- Pachuca: 0 wins
- Draws: 0
- Last Meeting: Real Madrid 3–0 Pachuca (Dec. 18, 2024) – FIFA Intercontinental Cup final
Current Form
Real Madrid and Pachuca will aim to improve after their mixed results in recent matches.
How to Watch
Check local listings for broadcasting details.
Real Madrid Injury News
Kylian Mbappé is sidelined and unlikely to play against Pachuca due to gastroenteritis. Along with Mbappé, several key players remain unavailable, including Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger.
Alonso is expected to rely on young striker Gonzalo García, who netted Madrid’s only goal against Al Hilal.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Pachuca
Formation (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, García; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Gonzalo García
Pachuca Injury Update
Andrés Micolta is the only player unavailable for Pachuca, recovering from a torn ACL. Manager Jaime Lozano is likely to field an unchanged XI after a close loss to RB Salzburg, requiring more from his forwards to secure their first victory.
Salomón Rondón, despite being 35, remains a key threat, having scored 26 goals last season. He’ll look to make an impact in the U.S. following a lackluster performance on Wednesday.
Pachuca Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Formation (4-3-3): Moreno; Rodríguez, Eduardo, Pereira, González; Montiel, Pedraza, Palavecino; Domínguez, Rondón, Kenedy
Match Prediction
While Real Madrid dominated Pachuca in their last encounter, they face challenges with missing key players. Nonetheless, they are determined to secure three points after a disappointing start.
Pachuca, on the other hand, struggles with form, managing just one win in their last six matches.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Pachuca