CHARLOTTE, N.C.2025-06-22
Real madrid Clinches Victory Against CF Pachuca
Bellingham and Güler shine in a 2-0 win.
- Real Madrid defeated CF Pachuca 2-0 in a friendly match.
- Jude Bellingham scored the opening goal in the 35th minute.
- Arda Güler doubled the lead with a goal in the 43rd minute.
- Marco Asencio received a red card in the 7th minute.
In a friendly match held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on 2025-06-22, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory against CF Pachuca, showcasing strong performances from Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler.
The match, held at Bank of America Stadium, saw Real Madrid take on the Mexican side CF Pachuca as part of their Club World Championship preparation. Despite an early setback, the Spanish giants managed to assert their dominance, securing a comfortable win before the half-time whistle.
Match Highlights
The game started with high intensity, but in the 7th minute, Real Madrid’s Marco Asencio received a red card for an emergency brake foul.despite being a man down, Real Madrid took the lead in the 35th minute when Jude Bellingham found the back of the net, making it 1-0. Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, arda Güler extended Real Madrid’s lead to 2-0.
Pachuca had opportunities, with Courtois making a significant save in the 42nd minute to prevent a goal.The first half concluded with four minutes of stoppage time.
In the second half, Brahim Diaz replaced Gonzalo Garcia for Real Madrid, while John Kennedy and Gustavo Cabral came on for Bautista and Dominguez for Pachuca in the 46th minute.
Team Lineups and strategy
Real Madrid’s starting lineup included Courtois, alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, F. García, tchouaméni, Valverde, Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius, and G. García. The team’s formation was a point of discussion, with speculation on whether it would be a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-2-3-1.


Pachuca’s lineup included Moreno, Luis Rodriguez, Pereira, Bauermann, Bryan González, Palavecino, Elias Montiel, Alexei Domínguez, Bautista, Kenedy, and Solomon Rondón.
Did you know? Real Madrid was without kylian Mbappé for this match.
Real Madrid was without Kylian Mbappé, who is still recovering. Daniel Carvajal also missed team training. Antonio Rüdiger was part of the game, while Raúl Asencio, who played against Al-Hilal under antibiotics, also featured. Other players like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde,who had slight problems recently,were also in the final training session.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Real Madrid aims to build momentum for the upcoming season, using these friendly matches to fine-tune their strategies and player combinations. The match provided valuable insights for coach Xabi Alonso as he prepares the team for future challenges.
What tactical system did Real Madrid use against CF Pachuca?
Real Madrid’s tactical system against CF Pachuca was debated, with possibilities including a 4-1-4-1, where Güler and Bellingham played offensively before Aurélien Tchouaméni, or a 4-2-3-1, with Valverde in a more offensive role next to Tchouaméni.
Pachuca’s lineup included Moreno, Luis Rodriguez, Pereira, Bauermann, Bryan González, Palavecino, Elias Montiel, Alexei Domínguez, Bautista, Kenedy, and Solomon Rondón.
Did you know? Real Madrid was without kylian Mbappé for this match.
Real Madrid was without Kylian Mbappé, who is still recovering. Daniel Carvajal also missed team training. Antonio Rüdiger was part of the game, while Raúl Asencio, who played against Al-Hilal under antibiotics, also featured. Other players like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde,who had slight problems recently,were also in the final training session.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Real Madrid aims to build momentum for the upcoming season, using these friendly matches to fine-tune their strategies and player combinations. The match provided valuable insights for coach Xabi Alonso as he prepares the team for future challenges.
What tactical system did Real Madrid use against CF Pachuca?
Real Madrid’s tactical system against CF Pachuca was debated, with possibilities including a 4-1-4-1, where Güler and Bellingham played offensively before Aurélien Tchouaméni, or a 4-2-3-1, with Valverde in a more offensive role next to Tchouaméni.
Deep Dive into Real Madrid’s Tactical Approach
The friendly match against CF Pachuca offered a glimpse into the tactical nuances coach Xabi Alonso is implementing. The absence of key players, like Mbappé, and the early red card, forced Real Madrid to adapt their initial game plan. The team’s ability to secure a 2-0 victory despite these setbacks shows their tactical flexibility and resilience.
The core of the tactical discussion revolves around the team’s formation.While pre-season friendlies often involve experimentation, the match provided a platform to test different approaches. The reported possibilities – a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-2-3-1 – highlight the strategic options available to the coaching staff.
Formation Breakdown: 4-1-4-1 vs. 4-2-3-1
Understanding the differences between the potential formations sheds light on Real Madrid’s tactical approach. Let’s take a closer look at how these systems might have played out:
- 4-2-3-1: This formation typically features a solid defensive midfield pairing (e.g., Tchouaméni and Valverde), providing a strong base for the attacking midfielders.Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham could operate in the attacking third, supporting a lone striker, which was the case with G. Garcia. This setup emphasizes a balance between defensive solidity and attacking creativity.
- 4-1-4-1: With Tchouaméni positioned as a single defensive midfielder, the style emphasizes attacking movement.this formation could see Güler and Bellingham push further forward. The focus then shifts towards a more aggressive and attacking style of play.
The choice between these formations would have substantially influenced Real Madrid’s approach. It could have affected how they press, attack, and support the striker. The tactical decisions would have been crucial throughout the match.
benefits and Practical Tips
Analyzing pre-season friendlies offers key insights for fans and analysts. Here’s what to watch for, regarding Real Madrid:
- Player Positioning Adaptability: observe how efficiently players adjust to different roles.
- Midfield dynamics: Look for the interplay between the defensive and attacking midfielders.
- Attacking Strategy: how do the forwards link up with the midfield?
- Defensive Institution: Assess the compactness and communication within the defensive unit.
Pre-season friendlies are a great opportunity to evaluate those specific strategies. These games give the coach a chance to see several styles.
Formation Flexibility: A Key Advantage
The ability to shift between formations is a key strength for any top team. This flexibility allows Real Madrid to adapt to different opponents and game situations.
Coach Xabi Alonso can customize his tactics as the season progresses. The versatility of their players makes this strategy more seamless. The match against Pachuca highlighted the importance of being adaptable.
Myths vs. Facts
Let’s debunk some common misconceptions about pre-season friendlies:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Results don’t matter. | While results aren’t the primary focus, winning builds team confidence and is crucial for morale. |
| The starting lineup is set for the season. | Pre-season gives players a chance to make their case, and for the coaching staff, to try new strategies. |
| Injuries wholly derail the season. | clubs use their depth in the case of injuries, it’s an opportunity to improve their tactics. |
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Real Madrid’s game against Pachuca:
What was the impact of Asencio’s red card?
The red card forced Real Madrid to adapt and play with only ten men. This likely influenced the team’s tactical approach, requiring greater defensive discipline and a more cautious approach to attacking.
How did the absence of Mbappé affect the team?
Mbappé’s absence provided opportunities for other players to step up and prove their value. It also required the team to alter their attacking strategy, emphasizing teamwork and different player combinations.
How do pre-season friendlies prepare a team for the regular season?
They allow teams to test tactics, assess player fitness, and build team cohesion. They help players regain match fitness before the competitive season begins. They create a chance for the coach to try different approaches.
What can fans learn from these pre-season games?
Fans can learn about new tactics, player performances, and potential lineups for the upcoming season. These games also offer a chance to identify emerging talents and key strategic directions.
Table of Contents
