Real Madrid returns to the grass this Sunday, June 22 to face the Mexican Pachuca in which it will be his second commitment in the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup. The match will be held at 9:00 p.m. (Spanish peninsular time) at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, with the clear mission of adding a victory that brings them closer to the mathematical classification for the round of 16.
A Revancha flavor reunion
This crossing is not entirely new. Both teams saw the faces only six months ago, in the final of the Intercontinental Cup played in December 2024, where the white team was imposed with authority by 3-0. That day, the goals of Vinicius, Modric and Joselu sentenced a meeting that was completely controlled by the Spaniards. However, in this new World Cup format, everything can happen.
The Pachuca, representative of the Concacaf, arrives wanting revenge and with the aim of sneaking into the qualifying rounds. Although it does not start as a favorite, it has already shown that it is a competitive and solid team in defense, capable of surprising if the rival is not one hundred percent.
Sensations found in the debut
The Real Madrid premiere in this edition of the Club World Cup left a bittersweet aftertaste. Before Al Hilal, a runner-up of Saudi Arabia, Xabi Alonso’s team failed to move from 1-1. A result that, although it does not seriously compromise its classification, does raise the pressure for the next meetings.
Gonzalo García’s goal, a young canterano who surprised the Madrid fan with his self -confidence and precision, was one of the most positive aspects of a match where Rodrygo shone with his vision and talent. However, specific errors in defense and a lack of effectiveness in attack ended up weighing more than expected.
Ruben Neves, with a penalty just before the break, signed the draw for the Saudis. In the second half, Madrid reacted with greater thrust, and had the victory on the feet of Fede Valverde, but its penalty was arrested by goalkeeper Bono, leaving the white team with the feeling of having let out two points.
How Real Madrid arrives at his second game
Xabi Alonso has not hidden that this Club World Cup is a priority at the start of its cycle as the first team technician. Its objective is clear: to mark territory from the beginning of the post-ancelotti era. To do this, you must recover sensations and get the game against Pachuca without hesitation.
The good news is that there are no significant casualties in the template, and it is expected that both Vinicius and Bellingham start. In addition, the entrance to the eleven of players such as Camavinga, Tchouaméni or even Arda Güler is expected, which could take an intensity turn to the center of the field.
Madrid knows that a victory would place him with four points in the classification, leaving the classification very on track before his last game against Salzburg, a rival he already faced in the last Champions League.
A tournament that demands rhythm from day
With the new 32 team format, the 2025 Club World Cup – which is played in the United States until July 13 – has won in intensity. Only the two best teams in each group access the eighths, so each game counts.
Real Madrid, who is one of the great favorites with PSG, Manchester City and Bayern de Munich, also needs to consolidate their domain in this international competition, which will be the perfect thermometer to evaluate the adaptation of the new project led by Xabi Alonso.