Match preview for Real Madrid v Pachuca
Real Madrid return to action in Group H of the Club World Cup on Sunday, looking to secure their first win of the tournament when they face Mexican side Pachuca in Philadelphia.
Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in their opener, Los Blancos sit second in the group and are eyeing a crucial three points and strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockouts.
Xabi Alonso’s side were far from their best in their first match, with Gonzalo Garcia scoring early before Ruben Neves equalised from the penalty spot.
Without star forward Kylian Mbappe, Madrid struggled to create clear chances and were left frustrated after also seeing a penalty saved late on.
Pachuca, meanwhile, come into this clash bottom of Group H after a 2-1 defeat to Red Bull Salzburg. A second loss would all but confirm their early exit from the competition.
Jaime Lozano’s team are seasoned participants at this level, having featured in four previous Club World Cups, but they face an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds this time.
The two sides met as recently as December 2024 in the Intercontinental Cup final, when Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior.
Pachuca will need a big performance to reverse that outcome this weekend.
🗣 @XabiAlonso pic.twitter.com/gACQX8i6X6
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 20, 2025
Team news for Real Madrid v Pachuca
Real Madrid are expected to remain without Kylian Mbappe, who was recently hospitalised with acute gastroenteritis. Although now discharged, the Frenchman is unlikely to feature.
Antonio Rudiger has an outside chance of returning, but injuries continue to sideline Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick.
New arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen made their full debuts last time out and are set to retain their starting spots.
For Pachuca, no changes are expected from the side that narrowly lost to Salzburg. Veteran forward Salomon Rondon will spearhead the attack after a 17-goal domestic campaign, while former Chelsea man Kenedy, on loan from Real Valladolid, is likely to start again.
Expected line-ups for Real Madrid v Pachuca
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Fran Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Garcia, Vinicius
Pachuca: Moreno; Rodriguez, Bauermann, Pereira, Gonzalez; Montiel, Pedraza, Palavecino; Dominguez, Rondon, Kenedy
⏭️ | Siguiente duelo de grupos en @FIFACWC
🌐 Aquí todo lo que debes saber sobre nuestro encuentro ante @realmadrid de este domingo: https://t.co/bCGeta9nne pic.twitter.com/9uigJ9Md7b
— Club Pachuca (@Tuzos) June 20, 2025
How to watch Real Madrid v Pachuca: TV channel, online stream
Real Madrid v Pachuca will kick-off at 20:00 in the UK on Sunday and is available to stream for free on DAZN.
The stats for Real Madrid v Pachuca
- Real Madrid have lost just one of their last seven matches in all competitions
- Pachuca have won only two of their last six across all competitions
- Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-0 in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup final
- Madrid are aiming to win their fifth Club World Cup title, their last coming in 2018.
Prediction
Pachuca have enough attacking talent to test Real Madrid’s patched-up backline and could grab a goal.
However, the Spanish giants possess so much talent, which should see them over the line without too many problems.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Pachuca
