The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage continues with a highly anticipated clash between European giants Real Madrid and Mexican side Pachuca. Both teams are looking for a crucial win to strengthen their position in Group H. Real Madrid, under new coach Xabi Alonso, will be aiming to bounce back after a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in their opening fixture, while Pachuca will be eager to register their first points after suffering a 1-2 defeat to RB Salzburg.
This match is a repeat of the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, where Real Madrid emerged victorious with a commanding 3-0 win. Pachuca will undoubtedly be seeking revenge, making for an exciting contest.
Match Details
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Group H
- Teams: Real Madrid vs Pachuca
- Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025 (in the US) / Monday, June 23, 2025 (in India)
- Kick-off Time (IST): 12:30 AM IST (Monday, June 23)
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Head-to-Head
Real Madrid and Pachuca have met once before, in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. Real Madrid secured a dominant 3-0 victory in that encounter.
Pitch Report
The match will be played at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This stadium is home to NFL side Carolina Panthers and MLS team Charlotte FC. As a multi-purpose stadium, the pitch is generally well-maintained. Given it’s a major tournament, a good playing surface is expected, conducive to open, attacking football.
Injury Updates
Real Madrid: Real Madrid has several key players out due to injury.
- Kylian Mbappe: Suffered from gastroenteritis and did not travel for this match. His return for the final group stage game is uncertain.
- Endrick: The Brazilian forward is out with a hamstring injury.
- Ferland Mendy: Also an absentee due to injury.
- Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga: These players are continuing their recuperation from respective injuries and are unlikely to feature.
- Antonio Rudiger: Could be in line for a return, but his participation is not guaranteed.
Pachuca: Pachuca’s injury situation appears more stable.
- Andrés Micolta: The Ecuadorian defender is still recovering from a torn ACL and will not participate in the tournament.
- Otherwise, Pachuca is expected to have a full squad available.
Dream11 Prediction & Fantasy Football Tips
Given the injury concerns for Real Madrid and their mixed start to the tournament, this match could be closer than anticipated. However, Real Madrid still boasts a squad with immense quality.
Key Players to Consider for your Dream11 Team:
Real Madrid:
- Jude Bellingham (Midfielder): A consistent performer and a major threat in attack. Expect him to be heavily involved.
- Vinicius Junior (Forward): His pace and dribbling can cause significant problems for the opposition defense.
- Federico Valverde (Midfielder): Known for his box-to-box presence and powerful shots.
- Gonzalo Garcia (Forward): With Mbappe out, he scored in the last game and could be a key attacking outlet again.
- Thibaut Courtois (Goalkeeper): A top-tier goalkeeper who can provide crucial save points.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Defender): Has made his debut and offers attacking contributions from defense.
Pachuca:
- Salomón Rondón (Forward): Their primary goal threat and will be crucial for Pachuca’s attack.
- Bryan Gonzalez (Midfielder/Forward): Scored in Pachuca’s last game and will be looking to contribute further.
- Experienced defenders and midfielders: Look for players who can contribute defensively and potentially earn clean sheet points, though that might be tough against Real Madrid.
Dream11 Strategy & Tips for Football:
- Check Confirmed Lineups: Always wait for the official lineups to be announced before finalizing your team. Last-minute changes due to injuries or tactical decisions can significantly impact points.
- Captain and Vice-Captain: These are crucial. The captain gets 2x points, and the vice-captain gets 1.5x points. Choose players who are most likely to score goals, provide assists, or keep clean sheets (for defenders/goalkeepers). For this match, a Real Madrid attacker or creative midfielder is a strong captaincy choice.
- Balance your Team: Ensure a good mix of defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Don’t overload one position.
- Form Over Reputation (Sometimes): While Real Madrid has star power, consider recent form. Players who are currently performing well, even if not household names, can be valuable.
- Defensive Contributions: Defenders and goalkeepers earn points for clean sheets and tackles/saves. Against a strong attacking side like Real Madrid, Pachuca’s defenders might not get clean sheet points, but could still earn points through tackles and interceptions.
- Goal-Scoring Tendencies: Forwards and attacking midfielders naturally earn more points. Look at who has been scoring and assisting recently.
- Monitor News & Updates: Stay updated on any last-minute news, particularly regarding player fitness.
Dream11 Predicted XI (Subject to Official Lineups):
- Goalkeeper: Courtois (Real Madrid)
- Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), F. Garcia (Real Madrid), Rodriguez (Pachuca)
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Palavecino (Pachuca)
- Forwards: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid), Salomón Rondón (Pachuca)
Captaincy Choices: Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior Vice-Captaincy Choices: Federico Valverde, Gonzalo Garcia
