Real Madrid Set to Battle Pachuca: Complete Match Preview with Bold Predictions and Expected Lineups

Half a year following Real Madrid's encounter with Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, these two teams are preparing to face each other once more in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Neither Real Madrid nor Pachuca managed to start their respective journeys in the United States on a winning note. The Spanish side could only secure a 1–1 stalemate against Al Hilal in Xabi Alonso's first match as manager, while Pachuca endured a 2–1 loss to RB Salzburg.

The Madrid-based club will aim to recover in North Carolina and repeat their showing from the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in December, where they defeated Pachuca 3–0. The Mexican team, on the other hand, will be seeking retribution.

With advancement to the knockout stage certainly occupying both teams' thoughts, Real Madrid and Pachuca will be focused on securing all three points at Bank of America Stadium.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Group H encounter.

What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Pachuca Kick-Off?

Real Madrid vs. Pachuca Head-to-Head Record

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Pachuca on TV

Real Madrid Team News

Kylian Mbappé remains unavailable due to illness for Real Madrid's match against Pachuca. The French forward was admitted to hospital for gastroenteritis treatment. While he has been released from medical care, he is not anticipated to participate on Sunday.

In Mbappé's absence, Alonso will probably depend on 21-year-old Gonzalo García, who netted Los Blancos' sole goal versus Al Hilal. The Real Madrid Castilla graduate is the only genuine striker available to Alonso with both Mbappé and Endrick ruled out.

Besides these two attackers, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal are also sidelined.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Pachuca

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Al Hilal (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, García; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Gonzalo García

Pachuca Team News

The sole player missing for Pachuca in Sunday's match is Andrés Micolta. The Ecuadorian defender continues his recovery from an ACL injury and will miss this summer's FIFA Club World Cup.

Apart from that, Jaime Lozano has his complete roster ready and may consider keeping the same starting eleven following Pachuca's close loss to RB Salzburg. The coach will require improved performances from his attacking players if the Liga MX team hopes to claim their first tournament victory.

The spotlight will be on Salomón Rondón leading the attack. Despite being 35 years old, Rondón managed to score 26 goals across all competitions last season. He will be motivated to find the net in the United States after a disappointing display on Wednesday.

Pachuca Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Pachuca predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-3-3): Moreno; Rodríguez, Eduardo, Pereira, González; Montiel, Pedraza, Palavecino; Domínguez, Rondón, Kenedy

Real Madrid vs. Pachuca Score Prediction

Real Madrid dominated Pachuca in their previous meeting, scoring three goals against the Mexican side. However, with multiple important injuries, the Spanish club may not achieve similar success this time.

Nevertheless, Alonso's squad will be eager to earn three points after their disappointing previous result. Pachuca, meanwhile, has managed only one win in their past six games over the last two months.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Pachuca