Real Madrid is looking for their first victory of the club World Cup 2025 when they compete against Pachuca in Charlotte. Los Blancos hopes to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 against Al Hilal in their opening match, but with the Mexicans much sharper because they are in the middle of their domestic season, it will not be easy to secure the much needed three points.
For each Diario axis, Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso spoke during his press conference for the competition. He made it clear that improvements are needed from the opening day pulling against Al Hilal.
“It's an intense match, we want to win, it's a short competition. We have to be with better feelings, we want a more complete game with the ball and without the ball.
“The first half was not good, the second was better, we were more dominant. It is the thread with which we have drawn and also that of what we do not want, what is repeated. Sometimes so much quickly want to do counterproductive. Prioritization is important.”
Alonso also confirmed that return from Antonio Rudiger, who has been out since April after having undergone an operation with a problematic knee problem.
“Antonio has been fired. He must be reduced gradually. The rest of the team has not changed too much.”
The list of MatchDay Squadron also confirmed that Kylian Mbappe remains absent, with the French international also missing the Hilal -similar game. Alonso provided an update, in which he expressed confidence that he had the striker back very quickly.
“He is better, he returned from the hospital and recovers. We are optimistic to have him against Salzburg.”
Real Madrid has to win to start their club World Cup campaign, and Alonso knows that a much better all-round performance is needed in Charlotte.