Pachuca eye Real Madrid revenge in Club World Cup showdown

Pachuca go into the Club World Cup with ambition at the forefront. Jaime Lozano's team will have their media moment against Real Madrid. An opportunity that will serve as personal revenge after what happened in the Intercontinental Cup final. The team now coached by Xabi Alonso snatched the title with a 3-0 win.

Salzburg and Al-Hilal are the opponents who complete their Group H journey. America left them on the brink of the Mexican Clausura semi-finals, but there is no time for past domestic regrets. This is the opportunity that cannot be missed for a squad that wants to go head-to-head with the best in the big sporting event of the summer. Reaching the play-offs is the monitored objective.

Squad list

Players to watch

In his third youth, Salomon Rondon is the lynchpin at Pachuca. The Venezuelan striker was decisive in the Mexican Clausura clash against Monterrey. The attacking boss boasts fifteen goals in official competitions this season. A project that also revolves around the importance of Oussama Idrissi on the left flank. Alan Bautista, John Kennedy or Kenedy - on loan from Real Valladolid - are the other options on the wing.

In midfield, Agustin Palavecino will lead the line alongside Elias Montiel, although Santiago Homenchenko could also feature in the rotation. Eduardo Bauermann is in no doubt in defence. The Brazilian defender is the pillar of Jaime Lozano's defensive approach. Carlos Moreno, Luis Rodriguez, Sergio Barreto and Bryan Gonzalez will complete the back line of a team that is not giving up on the Club World Cup dream.

Coach

Jaime Lozano is Pachuca's bet for the Club World Cup. The former Mexico coach has swapped the international bench for that of the “Tuzos”. He has only had the opportunity to take the reins in a friendly preparation match against Al Ahly. The score remained 1-1. John Kennedy opened the scoring and then Trezeguet came on to make it a draw. His line-up will not vary much from last Sunday's line-up.

Group stage

Matchday 1

Pachuca will make their Club World Cup debut against Salzburg on Thursday 19 June at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. The first acid test for Jaime Lozano at the helm of the Tuzos.

Matchday 2

The Mexican team will be looking for revenge against Real Madrid on matchday two. They will face the team that took the Intercontinental Cup from them on Sunday 22 June at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Matchday 3

Pachuca will take on Al-Hilal in the last dance of the group stage in order to ensure their chances of staying alive in the Club World Cup. It will take place on Friday 27 June at Geodis Park in Nashville.

Possible starting XI