Preview: Al-Hilal Face Pachuca in Must-Win Club World Cup Showdown
Al-Hilal are gearing up to face Pachuca of Mexico in their crucial final group stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday, with the Saudi giants desperately need a victory to advance to the tournament's knockout stage.
Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg lead Group H with two points each before the decisive fixture, yet Simone Inzaghi's team can still qualify with a win in Nashville. A goalless draw with Salzburg last Sunday left Al-Hilal frustrated, especially after holding Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw previously.
Despite dominating possession against RB Salzburg, the Riyadh-based team struggled to break Austria's sturdy defence amid extreme heat conditions.
The Riyadh-based powerhouse rely on a final-day win to escape Group H, but their qualification depends on other results. If they defeat Pachuca, Salzburg versus Real Madrid determines the group winners, potentially leaving all three sides on three points. However, A draw between Salzburg and Madrid could result in a three-way tie on points, complicating qualification prospects for the Blue Waves. Goal difference, goals scored, and goals conceded against Pachuca will not be considered, which keeps the team's hopes alive despite a goal deficit. Current Form and Key Players
Unbeaten in seven matches since losing to Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League semi-finals, Al-Hilal have a solid confidence boost. Victory could hinge on injured striker Aleksandar Mitrovic's return, as the team seek additional firepower.
Pachuca qualified for this tournament by winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup but can already start planning their journey home.
Although Pachuca fought well against Real Madrid, they missed a chance to avenge last year's Intercontinental Cup final defeat. Despite having a numerical advantage early in the match, they lost 3-1, lacking finishing precision to turn the game in their favor.
With 25 shots on goal, the most Madrid has faced in over a decade, Pachuca's efforts failed to produce more goals. Having lost their first two matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Salzburg, Pachuca is eliminated from the competition.
Manager Jaime Lozano's team must focus on performing well, even if they cannot progress further in the tournament. Salomon Rondon remains the main attacking threat, while John Kennedy could see an opportunity to start or replace Rondon. Possible Lineups and Final Thoughts
Inzaghi is expected to rely on the same squad that started the previous game against RB Salzburg, with minimal changes in the lineup.
Possible lineups:
Al-Hilal: Bono; Cancelo, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; Neves, N. Al-Dawsari; Malcom, Milinkovic-Savic, S. Al-Dawsari; Leonardo.
Pachuca: Moreno; Sanchez, Bauermann, Pereira, Gonzalez; Montiel, Palavecino; Dominguez, J. Kennedy, Kenedy; Rondon.
Al-Hilal will be fully motivated to get the win, while Pachuca are inevitably eyeing the exit door, so the Saudi Pro-League side are more likely to prevail.
With a stronger squad, Simone Inzaghi and co can claim a first victory at this year's Club World Cup – but it remains to be seen whether that will take them through.
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