Real Madrid is set to face Mexico’s Pachuca in the highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, taking place at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match is slated for Sunday, June 22, at 15:00 EDT (12:00 PST, 19:00 GMT, 21:00 CEST), and fans can follow the coverage starting at 12:00 PM local time (16:00 GMT) on ZezapTV.
This matchup is a rematch of the December FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, where Real Madrid claimed a decisive victory. Both teams are currently vying for a crucial win within a competitive group led by Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg. The outcome of this match is expected to create considerable pressure on the losing side, raising the stakes as the tournament progresses.
In their opening match, Real Madrid managed a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. Despite Federico Valverde missing a late penalty that could have secured a win, Gonzalo Garcia’s initial goal was equalized by Ruben Neves of the Saudi Pro League side. This match marked a significant debut for Xabi Alonso as the head coach of Real Madrid after taking over from Carlo Ancelotti.
Conversely, Pachuca faced a challenging start in their initial group game, suffering a 2-1 defeat against Red Bull Salzburg. While Oscar Gloukh opened the scoring for Salzburg, Pachuca’s Bryan Gonzalez equalized shortly after halftime, only for Karim Onisiwo to clinch the victory for Salzburg with a late goal.
The current health status of French star Kylian Mbappe remains uncertain as he recently discharged from the hospital after battling an acute case of gastroenteritis. Coach Alonso described Mbappe as being in “rough shape,” leading to speculation about his availability for the upcoming match.
Historically, Real Madrid has secured its place in this prestigious tournament by winning the UEFA Champions League on two occasions—first in 2022 against Liverpool and again in 2024 against Borussia Dortmund. This impressive track record emphasizes Real Madrid’s stature within international football.
Pachuca, known for their robust performance within the Concacaf region, booked their spot at the FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup against Columbus Crew, showcasing their talent on a continental stage.
As the match approaches, both teams will be eager to solidify their standings and continue their journey in this elite tournament. The excitement surrounding the FIFA Club World Cup is palpable, and fans are eager to witness whether Real Madrid can add another triumph to their storied legacy or if Pachuca will create a memorable upset.
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