Real Madrid vs C.F. Pachuca: A Timeline of Their Historic Encounter
The clash between Real Madrid and C.F. Pachuca in the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup semifinals was more than just a football match—it was a meeting of two worlds. On one side, the European giants, Real Madrid, with their storied history and global fanbase. On the other, Pachuca, the Mexican underdogs, representing the spirit of CONCACAF. Below is a detailed timeline of their encounter, capturing the key moments, strategies, and emotions that defined this historic matchup.
Pre-Match Context
- December 13, 2017: The stage was set in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals. Real Madrid, fresh off their La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs, were heavy favorites. Pachuca, having defeated Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in the quarterfinals, aimed to make history as the first CONCACAF team to reach the final.
- Team Lineups:
- Real Madrid: Key players included Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modrić, led by manager Zinedine Zidane.
- C.F. Pachuca: Featuring stars like Hirving Lozano and Erick Gutiérrez, managed by Diego Alonso.
- Real Madrid: Key players included Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modrić, led by manager Zinedine Zidane.
First Half: Real Madrid Dominates
1-15 Minutes: Real Madrid took control early, with Pachuca adopting a defensive stance. Cristiano Ronaldo tested the goalkeeper with a long-range shot in the 3rd minute, setting the tone for Madrid’s offensive intent.
20th Minute: Goal for Real Madrid – Karim Benzema opened the scoring with a clinical finish after a precise pass from Luka Modrić. Score: 1-0.
28th Minute: Pachuca’s first real chance came from a counter-attack led by Hirving Lozano, but Keylor Navas made a crucial save.
43rd Minute: Goal for Real Madrid – Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the lead with a trademark header from a Toni Kroos cross. Score: 2-0.
Second Half: Pachuca Fights Back
46-60 Minutes: Pachuca came out stronger in the second half, pressing higher and creating more opportunities. Real Madrid seemed content to manage the game.
50th Minute: Goal for Pachuca – Jonathan Urretaviscaya pulled one back with a stunning strike from outside the box, giving Pachuca hope. Score: 2-1.
65th Minute: Real Madrid responded with a series of attacks, but Pachuca’s goalkeeper, Alfonso Blanco, made several key saves to keep his team in the game.
80th Minute: Goal for Real Madrid – Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the deal with his second goal of the night, a powerful shot after a defensive error from Pachuca. Score: 3-1.
Post-Match Analysis
- Real Madrid: Despite a momentary scare, Real Madrid’s class and experience shone through. Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace and Benzema’s early goal ensured their place in the final.
- C.F. Pachuca: Pachuca’s performance was commendable, especially in the second half. Urretaviscaya’s goal and their overall resilience earned them respect on the global stage.
- Final Score: Real Madrid 3-1 Pachuca.
Legacy of the Match
- Real Madrid: Went on to win the Club World Cup, defeating Brazil’s Grêmio in the final, solidifying their dominance in world football.
- C.F. Pachuca: Though they fell short, their performance highlighted the growing competitiveness of CONCACAF teams on the international stage.
Key Takeaways
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the Real Madrid vs Pachuca match?
+Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-1 in the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup semifinals.
Who scored for Real Madrid in the match?
+Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, and Karim Benzema added one goal for Real Madrid.
Did Pachuca manage to score against Real Madrid?
+Yes, Jonathan Urretaviscaya scored a stunning goal for Pachuca in the 50th minute.
What tournament was this match part of?
+The match was part of the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup semifinals held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
This timeline captures the essence of a match that, while one-sided on paper, was filled with moments of drama, skill, and determination. It remains a memorable chapter in the histories of both clubs.
