The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicked off with a thrilling Group H clash between Pachuca and RB Salzburg at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. This Matchday 1 encounter was eagerly anticipated by soccer fans across the United States, with both teams eager to make a strong statement in a group that also features the heavy favorites, Real Madrid.
The match began under tense skies, but the action on the pitch was electric. Salzburg, known for their tactical discipline and attacking flair, came out firing. Their young star Oscar Gloukh was a constant threat, orchestrating play and testing Pachuca’s goalkeeper Carlos Moreno early on. Gloukh’s persistence paid off in the 44th minute when he unleashed a stunning curling shot from the edge of the box that left Moreno with no chance, giving Salzburg a 1-0 lead just before halftime.
The first half saw several close calls, with Pachuca’s Agustin Palavecino and Kenedy both narrowly missing opportunities to equalize. Despite their efforts, Salzburg’s defense held firm, and the teams went into the break with Salzburg leading 1-0.
As the second half commenced, Pachuca showed renewed vigor. Salomon Rondón came close to leveling the score with a powerful shot saved by Salzburg’s goalkeeper Christian Zwerschitzky. However, the match soon faced an unexpected interruption. At the 52nd minute, officials halted play due to lightning and thunderstorms, prioritizing player and fan safety. This marked the second consecutive weather delay in the tournament, following the Mamelodi Sundowns vs Ulsan Hyundai match just a day earlier.
For nearly 20 minutes, the players remained off the field as a heavy rainstorm drenched the stadium. Fans and players alike waited anxiously for the skies to clear. Eventually, the weather calmed, and the match resumed with both teams eager to make their mark.
Shortly after the restart, Pachuca’s persistence was rewarded. Bryan González fired a precise shot into the bottom right corner in the 56th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting hope among the Mexican side and their supporters. Following this goal, Pachuca dominated possession, pressing Salzburg’s defense and creating several chances to take the lead.
However, Salzburg’s resilience shone through. Substitute Karim Onisiwo, brought on to add fresh legs and attacking options, made a decisive impact in the 76th minute. Mads Bidstrup delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Onisiwo rose above the defenders to head the ball powerfully into the bottom left corner, restoring Salzburg’s lead at 2-1.
With the clock winding down, Pachuca threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Salzburg defended stoutly, managing to withstand the late pressure. The fourth official signaled three minutes of added time, but Pachuca could not find another goal, and the match ended 2-1 in favor of RB Salzburg.
This victory is a crucial boost for Salzburg’s hopes in the fiercely competitive Group H, where Real Madrid loom as group favorites. Salzburg will look to build on this performance as they aim to secure qualification from the group stage. For Pachuca, the loss is a setback but also a reminder of the high level of competition they face. After a shaky start to 2025, they showed fight and determination, qualities that will be essential in their upcoming matches.
The game was broadcast live in the USA on DAZN, with fans able to watch the match free of charge by registering an email account. The streaming service provided coverage in both English and Spanish, making the event accessible to a broad audience. This accessibility is part of the growing appeal of the FIFA Club World Cup, which continues to draw global attention with its blend of club champions from different continents.
Group H promises to deliver plenty of drama as the tournament progresses. Real Madrid’s dominance is expected, but the battle for the remaining spots is wide open. Salzburg’s win over Pachuca sets the tone for a competitive group stage, where every point will count. Soccer fans should keep a close eye on these teams as they vie for a chance to advance and ultimately challenge the European giants.
With the tournament still unfolding, the excitement is far from over. The weather delays added an unpredictable element, but the players’ performances ensured the match was memorable. As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 continues, fans can expect more high-stakes encounters, showcasing some of the best club talent from around the world.
In the end, RB Salzburg’s 2-1 victory over Pachuca was a hard-fought win earned through skill, resilience, and timely execution. The match highlighted the intensity of the competition and set up an intriguing path forward in Group H. Both teams will now regroup and prepare for their next challenges, knowing that every game in this tournament is a must-win.
