Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Real Madrid vs CF Pachuca
Match Context
Real Madrid arrive in Charlotte bruised but unbeaten in the tournament. They opened their campaign with a controlled 2-0 victory over Al Ahly, featuring dominating possession and sharp counter-attacks. Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised his side’s depth and experience, but noted areas for improvement, especially in defensive transitions.
CF Pachuca shocked many with a resilient 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in their opener. They absorbed waves of pressure and hit on the break, showing tactical discipline under coach Guillermo Almada. Pachuca’s midfield duo held firm, but they’ll need more cutting edge in the final third against a team of Real Madrid’s caliber.
Tactical Breakdown
Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Ancelotti typically lines up with a back four, pivoting through midfield. Look for Camavinga and Kroos to distribute from deep, while Valverde pushes high on the right. Benzema leads the line, flanked by Vinícius Jr. on the left and Rodrygo on the right. Madrid will press early and look to exploit Pachuca’s high line.
CF Pachuca (4-2-3-1)
Almada’s setup features a double pivot—Orbelín Pineda and Guzmán—shielding the back four. Uriel Antuna occupies the left channel, cutting inside to support striker Mauro Quiroga. Pachuca will drop into blocks and seek quick transitions, aiming to catch Madrid during possession changes.
Probable Lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Camavinga, Modrić; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinícius Jr.
CF Pachuca (4-2-3-1): Melgarejo; Britez, Bocanegra, Ruidíaz, González; Pineda, Guzmán; Antuna, Uribe, Pablo López; Quiroga
Key Players to Watch
Real Madrid
- Karim Benzema: The captain has 7 goals in his last 8 appearances. His hold-up play and finishing remain world-class.
- Eduardo Camavinga: His energy in midfield has been pivotal. He recycles possession and breaks up attacks consistently.
CF Pachuca
- Uriel Antuna: The Mexican winger’s dribbling and pace create chances on the break. He recorded 3 key passes in the first match.
- Mauro Quiroga: The target man scored the equalizer vs Al Hilal. His aerial presence is a constant threat on set pieces.
Quick Stats Comparison
| Category | Real Madrid | CF Pachuca |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (avg) | 64% | 48% |
| Goals Scored | 2 | 1 |
| Goals Conceded | 0 | 1 |
| Passing Accuracy | 88% | 81% |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 3 |
Data via ESPN and Transfermarkt.
Manager Quotes
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid):
“We controlled the game well, but we need to be sharper in transition. Pachuca surprised many and we must respect their plan.”
Guillermo Almada (CF Pachuca):
“We showed character against Al Hilal. Our goal is clear: stay compact and strike when the moment arrives.”
Score Prediction
Real Madrid’s experience and quality should tell in this fixture. Expect them to dominate possession and create several chances, but Pachuca’s resilience means goals may be hard to come by.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 2-1 CF Pachuca
- Benzema to open the scoring from a penalty or rebound.
- Antuna to catch Madrid cold on a counter for Pachuca’s goal.
- Vinícius Jr. to seal the win with a late run.
What’s at Stake
A win secures Real Madrid’s spot in the semifinals with confidence. For Pachuca, even a draw could keep them in contention, but they risk elimination due to goal difference. This match shapes the group’s pecking order.
A Fan’s POV
As a US-based supporter of La Liga’s giants, watching Madrid navigate different styles of play has been thrilling. I trust Benzema’s leadership, but Pachuca’s grit could make this a nail-biter. I’ll be glued to my screen, hoping for that late Madrid winner.
FAQs
Q1: When does Real Madrid vs CF Pachuca kick off in ET/PT?
A: The match kicks off at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.
Q2: Which channels stream the game in the USA?
A: Available on DAZN, TNT, and FIFA+.
Q3: Who is CF Pachuca’s coach?
A: Guillermo Almada, known for disciplined defensive setups.
Q4: Can Pachuca still advance with a draw?
A: Yes, a draw could keep them alive depending on other results and goal difference.
Q5: Where is this match played?
A: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.