Real Madrid are aiming to avoid any more surprises at the 2025 Club World Cup. After a 1-1 draw in the opener against Al Hilal, Xabi Alonso's side need a win at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte to move closer to the last 16 on Sunday.
They face Pachuca of Mexico, who started Group H with a defeat and whom Real beat in the final of the last Intercontinental Cup.
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In a star-studded Real squad, the standout performer in the tournament opener was Gonzalo Garcia, a 21-year-old academy player who replaced Kylan Mbappe after the French superstar was hospitalised with acute gastroenteritis.
The unexpected 1-1 draw means Real will need to take all three points to go into the final matchday against Salzburg in a strong position.
For Pachuca, the scenario is much more complex. Their opener was suspended for several minutes due to a weather alert, the when it resumed they were beaten 2-1 by Salzburg. If they lose here in the toughest game of the group, they will be eliminated early.
According to 10bet, the clear favourite in this match is Real Madrid: the Spanish giants' win pays 29/100, while Pachuca's victory goes up to 9/1. The draw is 5/1.
The Sporting News offers up our expert tips, forecasts and predictions from our football experts to make the game more exciting.
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca prediction, tips, bet builder and odds for Club World Cup clash
All odds correct at time of publish.
Real Madrid to win and Under 3.5 Total Match Goals: 1.12/1 (Bet365)
Although Real Madrid are in a period of transition as they adapt to new coach Xabi Alonso's ideas, they remain the favourites to win this one, although a big scoreline isn't expected. This combination has been true in three of Real's last four games, in which they have scored no more than two goals per 90 minutes. Pachuca, for their part, have struggled to score and in eight of their nine most recent games there have been no more than three goals in total.
Vinicius Jr. Over 1.5 shots on target: 11/10 (Virgin Bet)
With Kylian Mbappe ailing in the build-up and Rodrygo being watched by Premier League sides, Vinicius Jr. is Real Madrid's main attacking threat and has the experience of winning this competition twice. In 2024/25, the Brazilian scored 21 goals in 52 games and he also has a favourable record against the Mexicans: in the final of the Intercontinental Cup in 2024 he scored a goal from the penalty spot against Pachuca. Based on the stats, a Vini goal (13/10), and plenty of shots, looks likely.
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Real Madrid vs. Pachuca starting lineups, team news
Kylian Mbappe was hospitalised by a bout of gastroenteritis and missed the Al Hilal match. He has since been discharged but will not feature against Pachuca. Alonso is "optimistic" the Mbappe will be ready to face Salzburg.
Gonzalo Garcia started and scored in the France star's absence last time out and is in line for another chance at centre-forward.
The 21-year-old striker got his opportunity because Endrick, the usual cover for Mbappe, did not travel due to a hamstring injury and remains sidelined as part of a weighty absentee list that became familiar to Madridistas over the course of last season. However, Antonio Rudiger is fit to play a part after his knee injury and could replace Raul Asencio.
Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a tough debut against Al Hilal but is likely to continue, especially with Dani Carvajal (knee) still out.
Real Madrid predicted starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, F. Garcia — Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham — Rodrygo, G. Garcia, Vinicius Jr.
Injured: Alaba (knee), Camavinga (adductor), Endrick (hamstring), Dani Carvajal (knee), Militao (knee), Mendy (thigh), Rudiger (knee), Mbappe (illness)
Suspended: None
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca predicted score and most likely results
Here's some of the most likely results for this Club World Cup match-up, according to 10bet.
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid 2-0 | 5/1 |
| Real Madrid 3-0 | 6/1 |
| Real Madrid 2-1 | 6/1 |
| Real Madrid 1-0 | 13/2 |
| Real Madrid 3-1 | 15/2 |
| Draw 1-1 | 8/1 |
How to watch Real Madrid vs. Pachuca in Club World Cup action
- Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
- Time: 8:00 p.m. BST
- TV/Streaming: DAZN
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