Sun Jun 22 18:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, focusing on the upcoming Pachuca vs. Real Madrid match in the Club World Cup:

**Pachuca’s Montiel Inspired by Praise from Real Madrid President Ahead of Club World Cup Clash**

**CHARLOTTE, NC** – Pachuca’s young star Elías Montiel is drawing inspiration from an unexpected source as his team prepares for a crucial Club World Cup match against Real Madrid: a compliment from Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez himself. Montiel, who earned the Bronze Ball at the Intercontinental Cup behind Vinicius Jr. and Federico Valverde, received the praise after Pachuca’s 3-0 loss to the Spanish giants in the final last year.

“Yes, it’s motivating,” Montiel said. “Receiving praise from people like Florentino is something very beautiful, something that might not happen twice. So yes, it’s obviously a motivation.”

However, the 19-year-old is focused on the present, recognizing Sunday’s match in Charlotte as a chance for redemption. “The player lives in the present. What’s already happened is in the past, and now we’re here to compete.”

Veteran striker Salomón Rondón echoed the sentiment, expressing a long-held ambition to score against Real Madrid, a feat he never achieved during his time playing in Europe. “I’ve always dreamed of scoring a goal against Real Madrid. I didn’t have the opportunity to do it when I was in Europe, and hopefully tomorrow it will happen.”

While acknowledging the absence of Kylian Mbappé from the Real Madrid lineup, Rondón emphasized the depth of talent in the Spanish team. “Mbappé is obviously a great player, one of the references in Madrid’s attack. But I think they have a totally adequate squad to replace anyone. The players who come out to play are because they have enough quality to represent that shirt. So nothing, we have to be aware of our match, our game. We cling to our plan and from there try to give our best.”

Pachuca is currently training at the University of North Carolina in preparation for their group stage match against Real Madrid in the 2025 Club World Cup, aiming to advance further in the prestigious international competition.

Read More