Real Madrid take a break from La Liga’s title race on December 18 as Carlo Ancelotti looks to create history in Qatar.
Following the decision to alter the structure of the FIFA Club World Cup to a longer format and revised schedule, football’s governing body devised a new competition to pit continental champions directly against each other.
The FIFA Intercontinental Cup mirrors the old Club World Cup — and previous versions of defunct FIFA club competitions — with Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League title win in 2024 sealing their automatic spot in the final.
Ancelotti’s charges take on Mexican side Pachuca in Lusail as Los Blancos aim for their second trophy of the campaign following August’s UEFA Super Cup triumph over Atalanta.
The Sporting News brings you the latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of this game.
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Real Madrid vs. Pachuca lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Ancelotti has named a strong squad for the trip to Lusail with the Italian hoping to lift a trophy to ease some pressure following a mixed start to the season.
The main news focuses on a return to fitness for Kylian Mbappe after he missed the weekend 3-3 La Liga draw at Rayo Vallecano, with fellow France star Eduardo Camavinga also back.
However, defensive quartet Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and David Alaba all remain sidelined.
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia — Valverde, Bellingham, Camavinga — Diaz, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Injured: Mendy (calf), Carvajal (knee), Militao (knee), Alaba (knee)
Suspended: None
Pachuca knocked out Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo in the quartefinals and beat Al Ahly on penalties in the semifinals.
Despite the quick turnaround between games, they could stick with an unchanged lineup, including former Premier League striker Salomon Rondon.
Pachuca predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Moreno (GK) — Rodriguez, Cabral, Micolta, B. Gonzalez — Avalos, Pedraza — A. Gonzalez, Gutierrez, Idrissi — Rondon
Injured: Barreto (knee)
Suspended: None
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this FIFA Intercontinental Cup match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
