Real Madrid goes for their first victory in the World Cup 2025 Club when they enter Pachuca on Sunday evening. The side of Xabi Alonso worked on a disappointing 1-1 against Al Hilal in their opening fixture, and he made it clear that he expected better in Charlotte.
The victory over Pachuca would see Real Madrid go the top of Group H, although that is perhaps only a few hours, given that the current group leaders RB Salzburg accept it later in the day. But more than this, Los Blancos must be confident, and they can do that with a victory against the Mexican side.
In terms of line-ups, Real Madrid will not change much of the Al Hilal draw. Kylian Mbappe is still not available due to illness, so Gonzalo Garcia, who scored against the Saudi Pro League side, will continue in attack. He will be collaborated by Vinicius Junior, but the right winger still has to be determined.
Rodrygo goes against Al Hilal, but despite offering the assist for the goal of Gonzalo, Diario says as he was in favor of Arda Guler, who was impressive during his cameo in that match. If the Türkiye International started, that would be the only change to Wednesday's game in Miami.
Antonio Rudiger has received the medical green light for Real Madrid after two months after the knee operation, but as expected he will not start against Pachuca. Alonso is planning to continue with Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio, who were forced during the break against Al Hilal after suffering with discomfort.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who struggled against Al Hilal, is also expected to stay in the starting line-up, while the midfield trio of Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham will also stay together.