Real Madrid vs Pachuca Preview, Prediction, Standings: 22/6/2025

Real Madrid face CF Pachuca in what has become a highly anticipated showdown, set for tonight, June 22, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Both teams begin their campaign in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which now features 32 teams across eight groups. This Group B fixture carries significant weight in setting the pace for their tournament journeys.

Our primary prediction favors Real Madrid to secure victory. Odds around 1.30 at top sportsbooks reflect their dominant pedigree—European pedigree, squad depth, and form. For enhanced returns, placing a handicap bet on Real may be appealing. A secondary forecast leans toward neither team scoring, given Real’s defensive stability and Pachuca’s recent offensive struggles; odds for this outcome hover near 1.86.

Real Madrid – European Dominance Under New Leadership

Under rookie manager Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid enters this tournament aiming to cement a strong start to a promising new era. Alonso’s tactical blueprint, inspired by his success at Bayer Leverkusen, emphasizes structured positional play and flexible formations. Having signed a three-year deal commencing June 1, he brings an approach built on rapid transitions, high pressing, and disciplined defensive structure. The team kicked off the Club World Cup with a 1–1 draw against Al‑Hilal—an opening marked by missed penalties and evident growing pains, highlighting areas for Alonso to tighten before facing tougher opposition.

The squad Alonso assembled for the tournament includes key new additions like Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander‑Arnold, along with core stars such as Modrić, Bellingham, and Mbappé. Their preparation in the intense heat of Florida’s pre-tournament camp has tested players’ fitness, and there’s cautious optimism about their cohesion and tactical chemistry.

CF Pachuca – Concacaf Champions with Momentum

Pachuca arrive as the CONCACAF Champions Cup holders. Their qualification came through a dramatic penalty shootout win over Al Ahly, following a 1–1 draw in Doha—a result that earned them a place alongside Real Madrid in the preceding Intercontinental Cup final. Midfielder John Kennedy opened the scoring early, and goalkeeper Carlos Moreno made crucial saves in the shootout. Although they lost that decider to Real Madrid, the narrow margin underscored their resilience against top-tier opponents .

Under coach Jaime Lozano, Pachuca adopts a pragmatic, counter-attacking game plan to offset Real’s technical superiority. Their squad—while lacking in high-profile stars—offers work ethic, cohesion, and the experience to compete beyond CONCACAF.

Prior Results & Current Form

Real Madrid’s 2024–25 season concluded with strong highlights: UEFA Super Cup winners, FIFA Intercontinental Cup champions, and runners-up in La Liga and Copa del Rey . Meanwhile, Pachuca’s path to the Club World Cup has built on their regional success and resilience in knockout formats.

Putting It All Together

Given Real Madrid’s squad quality, managerial upgrades, and higher calibre opponents faced throughout the season, they enter tonight’s game as strong favorites. A controlled win—possibly with a clean sheet—appears most probable. For those seeking enhanced returns, betting markets favoring Real with a handicap or a no-goals-against scenario offer solid value.