Real Madrid vs. Pachuca: Club World Cup Throwback - Where Are They Now?

Real Madrid vs. Pachuca: A Club World Cup Throwback

The 2017 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final between Real Madrid and Pachuca wasn't just another game; it was a clash of titans representing different footballing philosophies. Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League winners, were the undisputed favorites, boasting a galaxy of stars. Pachuca, representing CONCACAF, arrived as underdogs, eager to prove their mettle against the world's best. This article revisits that encounter and explores the current whereabouts and careers of the key players from both squads.

The Stage: Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi provided the perfect backdrop for this intriguing contest. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant spectacle. Real Madrid, led by Zinedine Zidane, were looking to add another trophy to their already impressive cabinet, while Pachuca, coached by Diego Alonso, aimed to cause a major upset.

The Match: A Tighter Affair Than Expected

While Real Madrid ultimately prevailed, the match was far from a comfortable victory. Pachuca displayed impressive resilience and tactical discipline, frustrating the Spanish giants for long periods. The game remained goalless for the first half, with Pachuca's defense holding firm against Real Madrid's relentless attacks. Keylor Navas, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, was also called into action on several occasions, denying Pachuca's attempts to breach the deadlock.

The breakthrough finally came in the 81st minute when Gareth Bale, who had come on as a substitute, slotted home a well-taken goal. The Welshman's strike proved to be the decisive moment, securing Real Madrid's place in the final. Despite the defeat, Pachuca earned plaudits for their spirited performance and showcased the growing quality of football in the CONCACAF region.

Real Madrid's Starting XI and Substitutes: Where Are They Now?

Let's delve into the Real Madrid squad from that match and see where their careers have taken them.

Keylor Navas (Goalkeeper)

Navas, the Costa Rican shot-stopper, was a crucial part of Real Madrid's success during that era. After leaving Real Madrid in 2019, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he continued to showcase his goalkeeping prowess. As of 2024, Navas is playing for Nottingham Forest on loan.

Achraf Hakimi (Right-Back)

Hakimi, a product of Real Madrid's youth academy, was beginning to make his mark on the first team. He was later loaned to Borussia Dortmund and then signed permanently by Inter Milan. Currently, Hakimi plies his trade for Paris Saint-Germain, establishing himself as one of the world's best right-backs.

Raphaël Varane (Center-Back)

Varane was a cornerstone of Real Madrid's defense for many years. He formed a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos, winning numerous titles. In 2021, he moved to Manchester United, seeking a new challenge in the Premier League.

Nacho Fernández (Center-Back)

Nacho, a versatile defender, has been a loyal servant to Real Madrid throughout his career. He is known for his reliability and ability to fill in at various defensive positions. He continues to be an important squad player for Real Madrid as of 2024.

Marcelo (Left-Back)

Marcelo, the Brazilian maestro, was renowned for his attacking flair and exceptional dribbling skills. He was a key figure in Real Madrid's success for over a decade. He left Real Madrid in 2022 and after a brief stint with Olympiacos, he returned to his boyhood club Fluminense in Brazil, where he continues to play.

Casemiro (Defensive Midfielder)

Casemiro was the anchor of Real Madrid's midfield, providing crucial defensive cover and breaking up opposition attacks. In 2022, he joined Manchester United, adding steel and experience to their midfield.

Toni Kroos (Central Midfielder)

Kroos, the German midfield maestro, was known for his exceptional passing range and tactical intelligence. He continues to be a key player for Real Madrid, dictating the tempo of their games and providing assists with his pinpoint accuracy.

Luka Modrić (Central Midfielder)

Modrić, the Croatian magician, was the creative heartbeat of Real Madrid's midfield. His vision, dribbling skills, and ability to unlock defenses made him a fan favorite. At 38 years old, he is still playing for Real Madrid and remains an influential player.

Lucas Vázquez (Right Winger)

Vázquez, a hardworking winger, was known for his versatility and dedication. He continues to play for Real Madrid, providing valuable squad depth and contributing with his tireless running and crossing ability.

Karim Benzema (Striker)

Benzema, the French striker, was Real Madrid's talismanic forward for over a decade. His exceptional goalscoring record, link-up play, and overall contribution to the team were invaluable. In 2023, he moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Left Winger)

Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar, was at the peak of his powers during his time at Real Madrid. His goalscoring prowess, athleticism, and determination made him one of the greatest players of all time. After leaving Real Madrid in 2018, he joined Juventus and then Manchester United before moving to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he continues to score goals at an impressive rate.

Substitutes

• Gareth Bale: The match-winner, Bale continued to play for Real Madrid until 2022, enjoying periods of success interspersed with injuries. He retired from professional football in January 2023 after a short stint with Los Angeles FC.
• Marco Asensio: Asensio remained with Real Madrid until the summer of 2023, contributing with goals and assists. He then signed with Paris Saint-Germain.
• Mateo Kovačić: Kovačić, a Croatian midfielder, was a squad player for Real Madrid. He later moved to Chelsea and then Manchester City, where he currently plays.

Pachuca's Starting XI and Substitutes: A Look at Their Journeys

Now, let's examine the Pachuca squad from that game and track their career paths.

Óscar Pérez (Goalkeeper)

Pérez, the veteran goalkeeper, was a legend of Mexican football. He retired from professional football in 2019 at the age of 46, after a remarkable career spanning over two decades. Following his playing career, he has been involved in coaching roles within the Pachuca organization.

Raúl López (Right-Back)

López continued to play in Mexico after the Club World Cup. He has played for several clubs, including Toluca and Tijuana. As of 2024, he plays for FC Juárez.

Óscar Murillo (Center-Back)

Murillo, the Colombian defender, remained with Pachuca for several years before moving to Liga MX side Atlético San Luis. He's known for his solid defensive abilities and leadership qualities.

Omar González (Center-Back)

González, the American defender, had a long and successful career in Major League Soccer (MLS) before joining Pachuca. He later returned to MLS, playing for Toronto FC and FC Dallas. He retired from professional soccer after the 2022 season.

Emmanuel García (Left-Back)

García continued his career in Mexico, playing for various clubs, including Puebla and Veracruz. He has been a consistent performer in the Liga MX.

Jorge Hernández (Defensive Midfielder)

Hernández remained a key player for Pachuca for several seasons after the Club World Cup. He then moved to other Liga MX clubs. His experience and tactical awareness have made him a valuable asset to any team.

Erick Sánchez (Central Midfielder)

Sánchez is a product of Pachuca's youth academy and has become one of the most promising young midfielders in Mexico. As of 2024, he still plays for Pachuca and has become a regular for the Mexican national team.

Keisuke Honda (Attacking Midfielder)

Honda, the Japanese international, brought international experience and flair to Pachuca's midfield. After his stint with Pachuca, he played for clubs in Australia, the Netherlands, and Lithuania. He has also been involved in coaching and mentoring roles.

Jonathan Urretaviscaya (Right Winger)

Urretaviscaya, the Uruguayan winger, was known for his pace and dribbling skills. After leaving Pachuca, he played for clubs in Mexico, Uruguay, and Brazil. He remains a dynamic and exciting player.

Víctor Guzmán (Striker)

Guzmán continued his career in Mexico, becoming a prolific goalscorer for various clubs, including Pachuca and Guadalajara. He is known for his clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net.

Franco Jara (Striker)

Jara, the Argentinian striker, was Pachuca's leading scorer during his time with the club. He later moved to MLS, playing for FC Dallas. He is a proven goalscorer with a knack for finding space in the box.

Substitutes

• Roberto Alvarado: Alvarado is another product of Pachuca's youth system who has gone on to have a successful career. He currently plays for Guadalajara and is a regular for the Mexican national team.
• Edson Puch: Puch, a Chilean international, was a lively winger. He has since played for various clubs in Mexico and his native Chile.
• Germán Cano: Cano is an Argentinian striker who came on as a late substitute. After playing for several clubs in South America, he currently plays for Fluminense.

The Managers: Zidane and Alonso

Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane, one of the greatest footballers of all time, was at the helm of Real Madrid during this period. His tactical acumen, man-management skills, and ability to inspire his players led Real Madrid to unprecedented success, including three consecutive Champions League titles. After leaving Real Madrid, he has taken a break from management, but he is widely expected to return to coaching in the future.

Diego Alonso

Diego Alonso, the Uruguayan coach, led Pachuca to the Club World Cup. After his time with Pachuca, he managed various clubs in Mexico and the United States. He has since coached the Uruguayan national team. His tactical flexibility and ability to develop young talent have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising coaches in the Americas.

The Legacy of the Match

The Real Madrid vs. Pachuca Club World Cup semi-final served as a reminder of the global appeal and competitiveness of football. While Real Madrid's star power ultimately prevailed, Pachuca's spirited performance highlighted the growing quality of football in CONCACAF. The match also provided a platform for emerging talents like Hakimi and Sánchez to showcase their abilities on the world stage. More broadly it demonstrated the continuous evolution of player pathways as individuals like Honda showed that players from historically less dominant nations can compete at the highest level.

Conclusion

The 2017 Club World Cup semi-final between Real Madrid and Pachuca was a memorable encounter that showcased the contrasting styles and strengths of two different footballing cultures. While the game itself might be remembered for Bale's late winner, the enduring legacy lies in the individual stories of the players and coaches involved. From global superstars like Ronaldo and Modrić to emerging talents like Hakimi and Sánchez, the match served as a pivotal moment in their respective careers. Tracking their journeys since then provides a fascinating insight into the ever-evolving world of football and the diverse paths that players take to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Where to Watch Highlights and Full Match Replays

While official streaming options may vary depending on your region and current broadcasting rights, searching platforms like YouTube and FIFA+ often provides access to highlights and sometimes full match replays uploaded by official channels or dedicated football fans. Always be mindful of copyright regulations and prioritize official sources where available.

Related Club World Cup Matches and Analysis

To further expand your knowledge of the Club World Cup and similar matches, consider exploring the following related topics:

• Real Madrid's other Club World Cup victories: Explore their dominant history in the competition.
• Pachuca's history in the Club World Cup: Learn about their past appearances and performances.
• Analysis of tactical trends in the Club World Cup: Examine how different teams approach the tournament.
• Interviews with players and coaches involved in the 2017 Club World Cup: Gain firsthand insights into their experiences.