Pachuca Battles Storms and Salzburg in Dramatic Club World Cup Debut
What a wild ride it was for Pachuca in their much-anticipated debut at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. If anyone thought this would be a standard group stage match, they were in for a surprise. Not only did the Mexican side face the formidable RB Salzburg on the pitch, but they also had to contend with a literal storm—one that stopped the match in its tracks for nearly two hours.
Pachuca started the game with energy and intent. Salomón Rondón had two early chances to put the Tuzos ahead, but RB Salzburg’s goalkeeper, Christian Zawieschitzky, put on an absolute masterclass in goalkeeping. He denied Rondón with a stunning save first and again just moments later, keeping the game level and frustrating Pachuca’s attack.
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Then came the gut punch. Just before halftime, Salzburg’s Oscar Gloukh unleashed a beautiful strike from outside the box. A quick shift to his right and a curling shot into the top corner left Pachuca's goalkeeper Carlos Moreno with no chance. It was 1-0 at the break, and the energy in the stadium was already tense.
As the second half began, things got chaotic. A dangerous thunderstorm rolled in, forcing officials to halt the game in the 54th minute. Lightning lit up the sky over TQL Stadium, and both teams were ushered into the locker rooms. The delay dragged on for nearly two hours, and fans weren’t sure the match would resume at all.
But when it did, Pachuca came out firing. Bryan González brought hope back to the Mexican fans with a stunning free-kick goal that finally beat Zawieschitzky. The score was level, and momentum had clearly shifted toward the Tuzos. It felt like Pachuca was on the verge of completing the comeback.
However, football can be cruel. Salzburg regained the lead late in the match with a clinical header from Onisiwo after a sharp run and cross from Bidstrup. Despite Pachuca’s pressure and dominant possession in the final stages, they couldn’t break through again.
So here we are. Pachuca loses 2-1 in a storm-soaked, emotionally charged debut. Despite González’s golazo and several chances created, the lack of finishing and one outstanding Austrian goalkeeper proved to be their undoing. Now, with Real Madrid looming as their next opponent, Pachuca faces an uphill battle to stay alive in the tournament. It's a harsh lesson on the global stage, but one that will surely fuel their fire.
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