Club World Cup Preview | Real Madrid s wounded soldiers face Pachuca in full camp, Alonso bets on a 21-year-old player

In the early morning of June 23, the H Group of the Club World Cup will usher in a focus match, with Real Madrid facing the Mexican powerhouse Pachuca. Both teams failed to win in the first round, and the goal of this game was directly aimed at 3 points, laying the foundation for qualifying in the group. In the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in December last year, Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-0 to win the cup. This time, the reunion of the Club World Cup group stage, Pachuca, who is determined to take revenge, and Real Madrid, who is eager to return to the victory, will surely have a fierce battle.

Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia's team Riyadh Crescent in the first game, and the new coach Alonso failed to get a good start in coaching. What made the team even worse was a serious wave of injuries. Although core striker Mbappe has been discharged after being hospitalized for gastroenteritis, he is confirmed to be absent from this key game. In addition, another striker, Enderick, is also absent, and 21-year-old Garcia has become an important choice for Alonso on the front line. Garcia scored Real Madrid's only goal in the first game and will continue to be entrusted with important tasks in this game.

In addition to the front line, Real Madrid's defense and midfield also lost several major players. Mendy, Kamavenga, Rudiger, Alaba, Militon and Kavajal all had high-level unblocked cards due to injuries, and their lineups were seriously disorganized. Real Madrid is expected to start (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Arnold (right back), Asensio (center back), Wheesen (center back), Garcia (left back); Valverde (middle midfielder), Chu Améni (middle midfielder); Guerre (right forward), Bellingham (front midfielder), Vinicius (left forward); Garcia (forward).

Compared with Real Madrid, Pachuca's lineup is relatively neat. The team lost 1-2 to the first game to the Austrian team Salzburg Red Bull. The only player who is certainly absent is Ecuadorian player Micorta who is still recovering from a serious cruciate ligament injury. Coach Lozano may continue his first lineup. Front veteran Long Dong has become a key figure in the team. He scored 26 goals in various competitions last season and is in good shape. Pachuca needs him to regain his sense of goal against Real Madrid in order to win the first victory of this tournament.

Pachuca is expected to start (4-3-3): Moreno (goalkeeper); Rodriguez (right back), Eduardo (center back), Pereira (center back), Gonzalez (left back); Montier (midfield), Pedrasa (midfield), Palawicino (midfield); Dominguez (right winger), Longdong (center back), and Kennedy (left winger).

In the historical confrontation, Real Madrid defeated Pachuca three goals in the InterContinental Cup final. But considering the current serious injury problems, Real Madrid may find it difficult to replicate such a big victory in this game. However, the team's overall strength and determination to win are still superior. Pachuca has been in average recently and has only won 1 of her last 6 official games. Overall, Real Madrid is expected to defeat their opponents in difficult circumstances. Prediction score: Real Madrid 2 - 1 Pachuca.