Real Madrid vs Pachuca : Lineups, Form & Stakes

Real Madrid vs Pachuca are set on June 22, 2025, in the group stage of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The two sides previously met in the Intercontinental Cup final on December 18, 2024, where Real Madrid dominated with a 3–0 victory, courtesy of goals from Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior. Coming into this encounter, Real Madrid drew 1–1 against Al-Hilal in their group opener, while Pachuca suffered a surprising 2–1 defeat to Red Bull Salzburg. With both teams eager to secure a spot in the knockout stage, this match carries high stakes. Real Madrid remain favorites, boosted by their experience and attacking firepower, while Pachuca will look to bounce back and prove they can compete at this level.

Recent Team Form

A view of recent form for both sides:

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have been in excellent shape during the La Liga season winning 23 of their 34 matches, drawing 6, and losing only 5, with an average of 2.21 points per game, scoring just over 2 goals each match and conceding under 1.Their transition into the Club World Cup under new manager Xabi Alonso has been rocky: despite the strong domestic run, they were held to a 1–1 draw against Al‑Hilal struggling to impose their pressing game, missing key players, and showing defensive vulnerabilities.

Panchua

Pachuca, meanwhile, have had a mixed Liga MX campaign, finishing 8th with 12 wins, 9 draws, and 16 losses across 37 matches, averaging around 1.22 points per game, conceding nearly 1.5 goals per match. However, they reached the CONCACAF Champions Cup final and won, earning their Club World Cup spot  . In the new tournament’s opener, they suffered a 2–1 loss to Red Bull Salzburg, suggesting they’ve struggled to replicate continental form.

Summary:
Real Madrid are coming off a stellar domestic run but have shown fragility in their tournament opener. Pachuca, despite continental success, have been inconsistent league-wise and started the Club World Cup with a defeat. Madrid still carry momentum, but Pachuca will look to stabilize and rebound for their upcoming match.

Team Details

The Team Details for the upcoming Real Madrid vs Pachuca match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:

Real Madrid

Coach: Xabi Alonso
Country: Spain
World Ranking (Club): Top 3 globally
Qualification: UEFA Champions League winners
Club World Cup Group H Position: 2nd (after 1–1 draw vs Al-Hilal)

Key Players:

Kylian Mbappé – Star forward, just recovered from illness

Jude Bellingham – Midfield engine, known for driving runs and goals

Vinícius Júnior – Pace, dribbling, and flair on the left wing

Rodrygo – Versatile attacker with finishing skill

Antonio Rüdiger – Leader at the back

Thibaut Courtois – Veteran goalkeeper (if recovered); backup: Lunin

Pachuca

Coach: Guillermo Almada
Country: Mexico
World Ranking (Club): Top 3 in CONCACAF
Qualification: 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners
Club World Cup Group H Position: 4th (after 2–1 loss to Red Bull Salzburg)

Key Players:

Salomón Rondón – Powerful striker, top scorer for club

Erick Sánchez – Dynamic midfielder, key creator

Pedro Pedraza – Defensive stability and ball-winner

Oscar Ustari – Experienced goalkeeper and leader

Nelson Deossa – Young talent with energy in midfield

Predicted Lineup

The predicted starting lineups for the upcoming Real Madrid vs. Pachuca match in the FIFA Club World Cup:

Real Madrid (4–3–3)

GK: Thibaut Courtois

RB: Lucas Vázquez

CB: Antonio Rüdiger (just back from meniscus surgery) & Aurélien Tchouaméni

LB: Fran García

CM: Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham

RW: Rodrygo

ST: Kylian Mbappé (fit and available)

LW: Vinícius Júnior 

Notes:

• Rüdiger, Carvajal, Militão, and Mendy are just returning to training; Rüdiger could be in the squad.

• Mbappé is back in the squad after illness and expected to lead the attack.

Pachuca (4–2–3–1)

GK: Carlos Moreno

RB: Luis Rodríguez

CBs: Gustavo Cabral & Andrés Micolta

LB: Bryan González

DM-midfield: Pedro Pedraza & Elías Montiel Ávalos

AM-left: Oussama Idrissi

AM-center: Alan Bautista

AM-right: Ángel González

ST: Salomón Rondón 

Notes:

• No major injuries or suspensions; new addition Robert Kenedy may provide squad depth but likely starts with this core 11.

• Rondón spearheads the attack after strong continental performances.

Importance of Real Madrid vs Pachuca

1. Tournament Context:

• This is a Group H match in the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the USA.

• Both teams are aiming for a top 2 finish in the group to advance to the Round of 16.

2. For Real Madrid:

• A win would take them to 4 points, putting them in a commanding position to qualify.

• As favorites and European champions, not qualifying would be a shock.

• After a 1–1 draw with Al-Hilal, there is pressure on Xabi Alonso’s side to perform and adapt tactically.

3. For Pachuca:

• They lost their opener 1–2 to Salzburg, so this is essentially a must-win or must-draw to stay alive.

• A second loss would leave them likely eliminated.

• Beating or drawing with Madrid would be historic and lift Mexican club prestige on a global stage.

Conclusion: Real Madrid vs Pachuca

The upcoming clash between Real Madrid and Pachuca is more than just a group-stage fixture, it’s a decisive moment in Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Real Madrid, after drawing with Al-Hilal, must bounce back with a strong performance to reaffirm their dominance and secure a likely path to the Round of 16. With Mbappé returning and a world-class lineup at their disposal, they remain favorites.

On the other hand, Pachuca face a do-or-die situation. After a tough loss to Salzburg, they must either upset Madrid or earn a hard-fought draw to keep knockout hopes alive. Their recent inconsistency and defensive struggles make it a daunting task, but their attacking potential, led by Rondón, offers a glimmer of hope.

This match holds massive weight for both clubs, Madrid are eyeing their first title in the new format, while Pachuca seek to prove that CONCACAF champions can stand toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite. Expect intensity, ambition, and high stakes in what could be a tournament-defining showdown.

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