The Matchday 2 encounter of the 2025 Club World Cup between Real Madrid (Spain) and Pachuca (Mexico) will be held on June 22 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, USA. Real Madrid vs. Pachuca: prediction and statistics.
Real Madrid
The Spanish side had a shaky start to the Club World Cup. In the first round, they shared the points with Al-Hilal (1-1), extending their winless streak in international competitions (Club World Cup and Champions League) to four matches (1 draw and 3 losses). However, it's worth noting that prior to this, Real Madrid had won six consecutive matches in the Club World Cup within 90 minutes.
- No more than three goals were scored in regulation time in Real Madrid's last five matches in the UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup.
- Real Madrid has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in their last five matches in these tournaments.
- The club has not scored more than one goal in the second half in their last six matches in the UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Thibaut Courtois – Dean Donny Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fran Garcia, Raul Asensio – Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde – Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, Rodrygo Goes.
Forward Kylian Mbappe will miss the game due to gastroenteritis. Defenders David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy, midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, and forward Endrick Felipe will miss the match due to injuries.
Pachuca
Jaime Lozano's team found themselves in 4th place in Group H after the first round. The team played against Salzburg in the tournament opener and lost 1-2. Nevertheless, the match was fairly even, and in some statistical aspects, the Mexicans even outperformed the Austrians. For instance, the team had more shots on goal (17:10), more corners (7:2), and overall looked more dangerous (1.40 to 0.91 in xG). It's also worth mentioning that prior to this, Pachuca had not lost in regulation time for four consecutive Club World Cup matches (1 win and 3 draws).
- In the Club World Cup, the team has played 10 matches and secured only one victory in regulation time (4 draws and 5 losses).
- Pachuca opened the scoring in 5 of their last 7 matches in the CONCACAF Champions League and Club World Cup.
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in regulation time in the last five matches of the Mexicans in these tournaments.
Predicted lineup for Pachuca (4-2-3-1)
Carlos Moreno – Brian Gonzalez, Luis Rodriguez, Federico Pereira, Eduardo Gabriel – Elias Montiel, Pedro Pedraza – Agustin Palavecino, Alexei Dominguez, Robert Kennedy – Salomon Rondon.
Referee
Ramon Abbati (Brazil)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 21;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 17%.
Match Prediction: Real Madrid vs. Pachuca
Xabi Alonso's debut as the head coach of Real Madrid did not go as planned. The Madrid side, playing without Kylian Mbappe and with new faces in defense, managed only a draw with Al-Hilal. Now they face Pachuca, who, after losing to Salzburg, have no room for error. I am confident the Mexicans will give their all to avoid defeat.
In my view, the Spaniards will not secure an easy and convincing victory in the second round. Real Madrid's players need time to adapt to the tactical decisions of their new head coach. Moreover, Madrid has not won by a large margin in their last seven matches in the European Champions League and Club World Cup. Meanwhile, the Mexicans have not lost by three or more goals in their last 26 matches in the CONCACAF Champions League and Club World Cup.
My prediction: Pachuca with a handicap (+2)
