As Real Madrid prepare for a pivotal Group H clash against Mexican side Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup, the Spanish giants find themselves under the microscope. Their disappointing 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal raised eyebrows and left new boss Xabi Alonso with serious questions to answer—particularly in light of Kylian Mbappe’s absence and a patched-up defence.
Meanwhile, Pachuca come into this contest off the back of a narrow 2-1 defeat to Salzburg, but their attacking intent and shot output suggest they’re more than capable of creating problems—especially against a vulnerable Madrid rearguard.
With the scene set for a fiercely contested encounter, we’ve pieced together a Bet Builder tip focusing on three shots on target markets that offer excellent value based on tactical context, team news, and recent form. Below, we break down each leg in detail.
Here’s our Bet Builder pick for Real Madrid vs Pachuca, which has been placed with William Hill:
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🎯 Leg 1: Gonzalo Garcia Over 1 Shot on Target
Gonzalo Garcia, handed a starting role in Madrid’s opening group match, made an immediate impact by scoring the opener against Al-Hilal. With Mbappe unavailable due to illness and several attacking options sidelined, the 20-year-old has become a central figure in Madrid’s frontline.
Garcia’s composure in front of goal and intelligent positioning suggest he’s not just filling in—he’s staking a claim. Facing a Pachuca side that conceded 17 shots and allowed five saves against Salzburg, there’s plenty of reason to believe Garcia will be presented with clear chances once again. Madrid’s attack may have lacked cohesion, but Garcia’s role as the primary target man ensures he’ll continue to be the recipient of service from Vinicius and Rodrygo on either wing.
Given Pachuca’s vulnerabilities at the back and the likelihood that Madrid will dominate territory, Garcia having two efforts on target is far from a stretch—it’s expected.
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🎯 Leg 2: Vinicius Junior Over 1 Shot on Target
Vinicius was uncharacteristically subdued in the match against Al-Hilal, but the Brazilian winger is too dangerous to stay quiet for long. With Mbappe missing and Alonso’s attack needing inspiration, this is the sort of stage where Vinicius typically responds.
His pace, unpredictability, and ability to beat his marker in one-on-one situations are tailor-made for a match like this, where Pachuca are likely to drop deep and concede space out wide. The Mexican club allowed Salzburg’s wide players ample room to operate, and if they afford similar freedom here, Vinicius will inevitably get into shooting positions.
His tendency to cut inside and shoot with venom, particularly from the left flank, means he often racks up attempts even in games where Madrid struggle to dominate fully. Given the tactical setup and Madrid’s need for urgency, Vinicius to register more than one shot on target stands out as a strong selection.
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Reasoning This Bet Builder focuses on two elite strikers — Katoto and Miedema — who are both in strong scoring form and central to their respective teams’ tactics. Adding each team to win over two corners reflects the attacking nature of the match and the urgent stakes, offering solid value in one cohesive bet. | |
🥅 🎯 Leg 3: Salomon Rondon Over 1 Shot on Target
At 35, Salomon Rondon may not be the most mobile striker in the tournament—but he remains Pachuca’s most reliable outlet for pressure and goals. He netted 17 times in all competitions last season and led the line again against Salzburg, offering a constant aerial and physical threat throughout.
Madrid’s defence, depleted by injuries to Rudiger, Alaba, Carvajal, Militao, and Camavinga, struggled to contain Al-Hilal and conceded over 1.09 xG from open play. In that context, Rondon will fancy his chances against a makeshift back four that includes debutants and positional tweaks.
The Venezuelan is particularly effective at making the most of limited opportunities. Even if Pachuca are largely forced to defend, they are likely to have at least a few breakaway moments—and when those come, Rondon will be the one they aim for. His experience, positioning, and set-piece threat make him a top candidate to force Thibaut Courtois into action at least twice.
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