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Football fans have a treat in store at the Club World Cup in the United States. The competition's most successful team, Real Madrid, return to action for their second match in Group H. The Spanish record-breakers face Mexican side Pachuca on Sunday from 20:00 BST in a game you can follow live on DAZN.
Real Madrid take part in their seventh Club World Cup. In their previous six appearances, they've lifted the trophy five times. The first came in 2014 when beating San Lorenzo 2-0 in the final in Morocco. The most recent success came three years ago when Al-Hilal 5-3, again in Morocco.
Tasked with upsetting Xabi Alonso is Liga MX side Pachuca, here for their fifth attempt at being crowned champions of the world. Unlike their star-studded opponents, Pachuca have never won this competition, and few major bookmakers expect that drought to end next month in New Jersey. Call the winner of Real Madrid - Pachuca here.
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Real Madrid v Pachuca tips
Real Madrid -1 handicap @ 4/6 (bet365)
Real Madrid win to nil @ 11/10 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Madrid must bounce back
Real Madrid is the biggest name playing in the United States this summer and, as such, they're a target for the contenders. Blancos dominated this tournament in its previous form, and will now want to prove they can win it over the new and improved longer format. To give themselves the best possible chance of winning Group H, the Spaniards planned to win their opening match, but Real Madrid failed their first test of CWC 25.
Xabi's team lined up against Saudi Pro League runners-up, Al-Hilal, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Wednesday. Madrid were the red-hot betting favourites to win, but they were held to a draw by a dogged and determined opponent. Al-Hilal refused to roll over and surrender to an opponent packed with global stars. If they didn't know it before kick-off, Real Madrid now realise just how difficult regaining the trophy will be this term.
Madrid started well against the Saudis, opening the scoring on 34 minutes when Gonzalo Garcia lifted the ball over Bounou. Fans then expected the floodgates to open, but Al-Hilal fought back. Former Wolverhampton Wanderers player Ruben Neves brought the teams level from the penalty spot just before the break. There was late drama as Madrid fans watched a stoppage-time penalty saved, denying them a stunning winner and all three points. The pressure is now on Madrid to bounce back, and I expect them to answer the call.
Tip: Real Madrid -1 handicap @ 8/13 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need Real Madrid to win by at least two clear goals.
Mexicans suffer narrow defeat
Liga MX side Pachuca don't share too many similarities with Real Madrid, but both teams failed to win their opening match of CWC 25. Pachuca faced Red Bull Salzburg at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati before a shocking crowd of just over 5000 fans inside an arena capable of housing more than 25,000 spectators. Many expected a tight match, and both clubs lived up to the hype, delivering three goals and even more talking points. Red Bull Salzburg secured an opening game win thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 scoreline.
Israeli player Oscar Gioukh opened the scoring with a goal on 42 minutes to send his team into the break with a narrow advantage. It didn't last long, with the Mexicans drawing level just 11 minutes after the restart. Bryan Alonso Gonzalez found the net to give his team a fighting chance, setting up a grandstand finish. Both teams knew their best chance of taking three points came in the opener, and both had chances to win it. Karim Onisiwo got the goal that mattered, winning the match with 76 minutes on the clock.
I thought Pachuca had a decent chance of winning in midweek. They were a threat in the game until the final whistle, but the Gophers left empty-handed. The stats show Pachuca had more of the ball possession and many more shots at goal than their opponents, but they weren't clinical enough in the attacking areas. They now face a much tougher opponent, and I didn't see enough from Pachuca to suggest they can match Real Madrid. I expect a tough outing.
Tip: Real Madrid win to nil @ 11/10 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You're backing Real Madrid to win the game and also keep a clean sheet.
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.