Real Madrid vs Pachuca: A Thrilling Clash at FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Match Context and Build-Up

Real Madrid, fresh off their UEFA Champions League triumph in 2024 entered the tournament as favourites but stumbled in their opener drawing 1-1 against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. Injuries to key players like Éder Militão, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, coupled with Kylian Mbappé’s absence due to illness put pressure on new manager Xabi Alonso. Despite these setbacks Los Blancos were expected to overpower Pachuca a team known for their attacking flair but considered underdogs against the 15-time European champions.

CF Pachuca representing CONCACAF also faced challenges, having lost 2-1 to Red Bull Salzburg in their first match. Led by coach Guillermo Lozano, Pachuca relied on veteran striker Salomón Rondón who had scored 17 goals in the 2024 Liga MX season. For the Mexican side, this match was a golden opportunity to upset one of football’s biggest names and keep their knockout hopes alive. With 70,248 fans packing the stadium including a vibrant contingent of Indian supporters the stage was set for a cracker.

The Match: A Tale of Resilience

Early Shock: Real Madrid Down to 10 Men

The match exploded into life just six minutes in when Real Madrid’s young defender Raúl Asencio starting in place of Antonio Rüdiger fouled Pachuca’s Salomón Rondón in a last-man challenge. The referee brandished a straight red card leaving Real Madrid with 10 players for over 80 minutes. Indian fans, watching live on streaming platforms like JioCinema, were gobsmacked as Pachuca seized control pressing high and dominating possession.

Xabi Alonso quickly reshuffled his side into a 4-4-1 formation with Federico Valverde dropping into a deeper midfield role alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni. Real Madrid’s makeshift defence, anchored by debutant Dean Huijsen and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois faced a barrage from Pachuca’s attacking trio of Rondón, Kenedy and Ángel Domínguez.

Jude Bellingham’s Moment of Brilliance

Pachuca created several chances with Rondón’s header narrowly missing the target and Kenedy’s shot forcing a diving save from Courtois. However, against the run of play Real Madrid struck in the 30th minute. Jude Bellingham, the English midfielder who has become a global superstar made a darting run from midfield latching onto a precise through ball from Fran García. With composure, he slotted the ball past Pachuca’s keeper Carlos Moreno, sparking wild cheers from the stands. Bellingham’s goal arms outstretched was a defining moment, showcasing his knack for delivering when the chips are down.

Arda Güler’s Stunning Curler

Pachuca’s hopes of a comeback were dashed just before half-time. In the 42nd minute Real Madrid launched a lightning counter-attack with Vinícius Júnior threading a pass to Arda Güler the 20-year-old Turkish midfielder handed a rare start. Güler showing maturity beyond his years curled a stunning shot into the top corner leaving Moreno rooted to the spot. The goal a thing of beauty, highlighted Real Madrid’s clinical edge as they went into the break with a 2-0 lead a scoreline that flattered them given their numerical disadvantage.

Federico Valverde’s Thunderbolt

The second half saw Pachuca continue their dominance with 65.2% possession and a flurry of chances. Rondón and substitute Javier López tested Courtois but Real Madrid’s defence held firm. In the 65th minute, Los Blancos put the game to bed with a moment of pure brilliance. Federico Valverde who had been running his socks off in midfield, latched onto a flicked pass from Brahim Díaz and unleashed a thunderous volley from the edge of the box. The ball screamed into the net marking Valverde’s first goal of the tournament and silencing Pachuca’s vocal supporters.

Pachuca’s Consolation Strike

Pachuca refused to roll over and in the 80th minute, substitute Elías Montiel pulled one back. The 19-year-old midfielder’s shot from distance took a wicked deflection off Tchouaméni wrong-footing Courtois. The goal gave Pachuca’s supporters including Indian fans sporting their jerseys something to cheer but it was too little too late. The final whistle confirmed Real Madrid’s 3-1 win, a result that showcased their resilience and quality.

Key Player Performances

Real Madrid

• Thibaut Courtois (9/10): The Belgian shot stopper was the man of the match, making eight saves including a stunning stops from Rondón and López. His performance evoked memories of his heroics in the 2022 Champions League final.

• Jude Bellingham (8.5/10): Scored the opener and ran the midfield show with his energy. His goal was a masterclass in composure earning him plaudits from Indian fans.

• Federico Valverde (8/10): Tireless in midfield, his stunning volley was the icing on the cake. His work rate was crucial in covering ground after the red card.

• ViníVinicius Júnior (7.5/10): Missed a penalty in the 27th minute but assisted Bellingham’s goal and stretched Pachuca’s defence with his pace.

Pachuca

• Salomón Rondón (7/10): A constant threat, he won the foul that led to Asencio’s red card but missed key chances.

• Elías Montiel (7.5/10): The substitute scored a deflected goal and showed promise as a future star.

• Carlos Moreno (7/10): Made several decent saves but was helpless against Real Madrid’s clinical strikes.

Tactical Breakdown

Xabi Alonso’s tactical nous was on full display. Post-red card, he switched to a low block, ceding possession to Pachuca while hitting on the break. Bellingham’s advanced role allowed him to exploit gaps while Valverde and Tchouaméni’s disciplined midfield play kept things tight. Vinícius and Güler’s pace on counter-attacks exposed Pachuca’s high line with goals coming from swift transitions.

Pachuca’s 4-2-3-2 formation aimed to overload Real Madrid’s depleted defence, but they lacked the final ball. Lozano’s high press caused early chaos but left gaps at the back exploited by Real Madrid. Substitutions like López and Montiel added spark, but their inability to convert chances cost them dear.

Player Profiles

Jude Bellingham: The Midfield Maestro

Jude Bellingham, the 24-year-old Englishman, has taken Real Madrid by storm since his ₹1038 crore move from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. Known for his box-to-box dynamism he’s become a fan favourite in India, where fans compare him to legends like Steven Gerrard. Against Pachuca his goal and leadership were pivotal proving why he’s tipped for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Salomón Rondón: Pachuca’s Talisman

At 35, Salomón Rondón remains Pachuca’s heartbeat. The Venezuelan striker, with over 200 career goals including his stint with Kolkata’s East Bengal in 2016 led the line with grit. His physicality troubled Real Madrid’s young defenders though his finishing let him down.

Arda Güler: The Turkish Gem

Arda Güler, dubbed Turkey’s Messie is a rising star at Real Madrid. His stunning goal against Pachuca showcased his vision and technique offering Indian fans a glimpse of the club’s next big thing.

Historical Context

Real Madrid, with 14 Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup titles are no strangers to global stage. Their last meeting with Pachuca in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup ended in a 2-0 win. Pachuca, with one Club World Cup title (2006) have a proud history in CONCACAF winning six continental crowns. This match added another chapter to their rivalry with Real Madrid’s pedigree shining through.

Statistical Insights

• Possession: Real Madrid 34.8%, Pachuca 65.2%

• Shots: Real Madrid 9, Pachuca 24

• Shots on Target: Real Madrid 5, Pachuca 5

• Corners: Real Madrid 5, Pachuca 7

• Yellow Cards: Real Madrid 2 (Vinícius, Tchouaméni), Pachuca 2 (Pedraza, González)

• Red Cards: Real Madrid 1 (Asencio), Pachuca 0

Fan and Media Reactions

Indian fans lit up Twitter with praise for Real Madrid’s grit. One user tweeted, “Bellingham is a beast! Real Madrid with 10 men still too good!” Another wrote “Courtois is a wall!” Pachuca’s fans while gutted saluted their team’s fight with a post reading “Pachuca gave it all, but Madrid’s class prevailed.”

The Indian Express called it “a gritty triumph for Los Blancos” while The Hindu praised Alonso’s tactics. Globally ESPN noted “Real Madrid’s resilience stole the show” and highlighted Pachuca’s missed chances.

Implications for Both Teams

Real Madrid’s win propelled them to the top of Group H boosting their knockout chances. Their next match against Red Bull Salzburg on June 27, 2025 could see Mbappé return adding firepower. For Pachuca the loss ended their tournament shifting focus to the Liga MX Clausura 2025. Youngsters like Montiel offer hope for the future.

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