Real Madrid's Adaptation Challenge

CHARLOTTE, SATURDAY — Every change indeed takes time. However, speed in adaptation is also necessary because not everything can wait, including victories. This is the situation experienced by Real Madrid with the change of coach and the addition of players in the 2025 Club World Cup.

After only being able to bring home one point due to a draw with Al-Hilal, Real Madrid is looking ahead to the second match against the Mexican club, Pachuca, in the Group H qualifiers, on Monday (23/6) early morning WIB. Playing at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, this match will serve as an adaptation test for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid arrived at the 2025 Club World Cup with a new coach, Xabi Alonso, and two additional players, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. However, in their debut with Los Blancos against Al-Hilal, the team did not display their best performance. An awkward situation was particularly evident, especially from the defensive line.

Real's performance improved after Alonso implemented a different approach during the cooling break in the first half. This also encouraged them to finally score a goal.

After the match, Xabi Alonso consistently expressed the same sentiments regarding the performance of his players. Whether concerning the team's balance in play or the results of the brief training sessions that have yet to manifest, Alonso emphasized that every change requires time.

"Everything takes time, it's about repetition until it sinks in. We've been together for nine days, just three training sessions, and it's a process," Alonso was quoted as saying by The Athletic.

Indeed, transforming a team into a great one cannot be accomplished overnight. Regardless of who the coach is, it certainly requires time to integrate with the team.

Nevertheless, Alonso also acknowledged that the adaptation process must proceed quickly. After all, results are important when participating in a tournament.

"Of course, we must achieve results because this is a competition. However, we also want to learn and understand what we desire," said Alonso.

Due to the draw in the first match, Madrid only brought home one point and is currently in second place in the temporary standings of Group H. Therefore, a victory in the second match against Pachuca is essential if they wish to maintain their chances of advancing to the round of 16.

Madrid received good news with the release of their star player, Kylian Mbappe, from the hospital on Wednesday (19/6/2025). Previously, he was absent from the match against Al-Hilal to undergo treatment for acute gastroenteritis.

However, it has not been confirmed whether Mbappe will play against Pachuca. "Kylian Mbappe has been discharged from the hospital this afternoon and has returned to the Real Madrid training complex," wrote Real on their official website.

"Mbappe will continue to undergo special medical treatment and will gradually return to activity with the team," the statement continued.

On the other hand, Pachuca is not an easy opponent. Although they ultimately suffered a narrow defeat of 1-2 against RB Salzburg in the opening match, Pachuca displayed fierce resistance. In fact, they created more opportunities with 19 shots compared to Salzburg's 10.

Therefore, the team coached by Jaime Lozano is equally determined to secure points in the second match. Moreover, they are currently at the bottom of the temporary standings in Group H without any points. "Madrid will test everything we have," said Lozano.