Real Madrid faces Mexican club Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final on December 18 in Qatar.
Madrid, the UEFA Champions League winners, are heavy favorites with a star-studded lineup featuring Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior.
Pachuca made it to the final with stunning 3-0 win over Botafogo in the Derby of the Americas.
Despite their inconsistent form, Madrid enters the final as the clear favorites. However, Pachuca, who has had a remarkable domestic run this season, will be determined to cause another upset and script history.
This year, the tournament replaced the FIFA Club World Cup with a new format, pitting champions from each confederation against one another.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest team news.
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Champions League match in the UK:
- TV channel: –
- Live stream: DAZN, FIFA+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in UK. Streaming options are available on DAZN, and FIFA+.
What time does Real Madrid vs. Pachuca kick off?
This clash takes place at Lusail Stadium, in Lusail, Qatar, and kicks off on Wednesday, December 18, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates for U.K.:
| Date | Wed, Dec. 18 |
| Kick-off time | 5:00 p.m. GMT |
| Venue | Lusail Stadium |
| Location | Lusail, Qatar |
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca predicted lineups, 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 XI (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 quarterfinals 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 XI (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 Prediction
While Pachuca’s road to the final is inspiring, Real Madrid’s sheer firepower and history make them overwhelming favorites. With Mbappe back from injury and Bellingham in good form, the Spanish giants will likely add another trophy to their collection.
- Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Pachuca