Matchup: Real Madrid vs. Pachuca
Event: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Date and Time: Sunday, June 22, 15:00 EDT | 12:00 PST | 19:00 GMT | 21:00 CEST
Follow Our Coverage: Join us on Al Jazeera Sport starting at 12 PM local time (16:00 GMT) for comprehensive pre-match updates.
In a highly anticipated rematch from the December FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid will take on Mexico’s Pachuca in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Both teams are eager for a crucial victory in a group led by Red Bull Salzburg.
Al Jazeera highlights the stakes for this encounter, where a defeat could escalate pressure on the losing side.
How Did Real Madrid and Pachuca Perform in Their Opening Matches?
Real Madrid commenced their tournament campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, missing a late penalty that could have secured all three points. Gonzalo Garcia netted the opener for Los Blancos, but Ruben Neves equalized from the spot before halftime, marking Xabi Alonso’s debut match as manager after taking over from Carlo Ancelotti.
Pachuca faced a 2-1 defeat against Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg in their opening match, with Oscar Gloukh scoring first. Bryan Gonzalez equalized early in the second half, but Karim Onisiwo struck the winner for Salzburg.
Latest Update on Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe was discharged from the hospital on Thursday after battling gastroenteritis. His return for the Club World Cup remains uncertain, and coach Xabi Alonso indicated he was in “rough shape”, unable to train since last Sunday.
Gastroenteritis symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, making recovery essential for the star forward.
What Happened in Their Last Meeting?
Last December, Real Madrid reached the final of FIFA’s Intercontinental Cup directly after winning the UEFA Champions League, where they faced Pachuca, who qualified as North American champions after defeating Al Ahly. Real Madrid dominated that match with a 3-0 victory, highlighted by goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior.
How Did Real Madrid Qualify for the Club World Cup?
Real Madrid secured their spot at this prestigious tournament by winning the 2022 UEFA Champions League against Liverpool. Their repeat victory in 2024 against Borussia Dortmund further confirmed their qualification, bringing them face-to-face with Pachuca.
How Did Pachuca Qualify for the Club World Cup?
Pachuca earned their place by winning the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup final against Columbus Crew with a convincing 3-0 scoreline, featuring two goals from ex-Premier League striker Salomon Rondon and another from Miguel Rodriguez.
They are now set to face Real Madrid, a team they met previously under significant stakes.
How Many Club World Cups Has Real Madrid Won?
Real Madrid captured their fifth Club World Cup title against Al Hilal in 2023. This does not include their inaugural win of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December, where they triumphed over Pachuca, marking a pivotal moment in club history.
Real Madrid Injury News
With Mbappe sidelined, expect Garcia to lead the attack. Endrick, who typically fills in for Mbappe, is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Other absentees include Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Eduardo Camavinga, though Rudiger could make a return following his recent injury.
Pachuca Injury Update
Pachuca is anticipated to maintain their lineup as they report no new injury concerns, allowing Rondon and Kenedy to reunite in attack. Kenedy, formerly of Chelsea, is on loan from fellow Mexican club Real Valladolid.
Possible Lineup for Real Madrid:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, G Garcia, Vinicius
Possible Lineup for Pachuca:
Moreno; Rodriguez, Bauermann, Pereira, Gonzalez; Montiel, Pedraza, Palavecino; Dominguez, Rondon, Kenedy
Real Madrid’s Recent Form (All Competitions):
L-W-W-W-D
Pachuca’s Recent Form (All Competitions):
W-D-L-W-L
Head-to-Head Record
The only prior contest between Real Madrid and Pachuca was the Intercontinental Cup final, where Real emerged victorious with a 3-0 scoreline last December.