As they question the Investment Fund in Liga MX and fight for their spot in the Club World Cup, the Tuzos have a chance to make history in the Intercontinental Cup.
At the Liga MX Owners’ Assembly, the last to arrive was Jesús Martínez Patiño, one of the most controversial owners in recent years, who now has his Pachuca team in the Intercontinental Cup final—no less than against Real Madrid.
Pachuca is managing multiple fronts simultaneously. In the domestic league, they are among the teams questioning the possible introduction of an investment fund to Liga MX, which is now nearly off the table. Internationally, they are under FIFA investigation for their multi-club ownership with León while defending their place in the Club World Cup. In Qatar, the team from Hidalgo aims to pull off an upset against the European champions, Real Madrid.
The Tuzos arrived in Qatar as the underdog against all their rivals. Guillermo Almada’s team finished 16th in Liga MX, and in their debut, they faced Botafogo of Brazil, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, defeating them with an impressive 3-0 victory. Egyptian club Al Ahly believed they had a clear path to the final against Real Madrid, but the Tuzos knocked them out in a penalty shootout, thanks to an outstanding performance by their goalkeeper.
Pachuca’s philosophy centers on giving opportunities to young players, and for years, they have fought for Mexican clubs to return to international competitions—two topics that seem almost taboo for many Liga MX teams. In the Intercontinental Cup, the Tuzos have proven that it’s possible to compete internationally with young players, supported by experienced foreign teammates. A prime example came in the penalty shootout that secured their place against Real Madrid: Elías Montiel, a 19-year-old, and their goalkeeper, Carlos Moreno, a 26-year-old, both Mexican, rose to the occasion and succeeded.
Jesús Martínez has long been seen as the rebel of Mexican soccer: the one who tried to sell the Mexican national team’s broadcasting rights to multiple networks, who advocates for a return to South American competitions, who demands the reinstatement of promotion and relegation in Liga MX, and who pushes for opportunities for young players.
Meanwhile, after heated discussions at the Owners’ Assembly over the potential arrival of an investment fund, Pachuca now has the international spotlight as they face Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup. Beyond that, they still await FIFA’s ruling on their possible participation in the 2025 Club World Cup. Indeed, the Tuzos are fighting on all fronts.
Pachuca: The Rebel Defending Mexican Soccer Against Real Madrid
In the vast world of global soccer, where giants like Real Madrid wield undeniable dominance, some teams rise not to be intimidated but to become guardians of their country’s essence and sport. One such team is Club de Fútbol Pachuca, a Mexican institution that has proven time and again that greatness is not only measured by international titles but also by passion, identity, and commitment to developing the national game.
A Historic Stronghold of Mexican Soccer
Founded in 1901, Pachuca is one of the oldest clubs in Mexico and Latin America. While its early history was marked by ups and downs, the “Tuzos” have emerged in the 21st century as a benchmark of Mexican soccer. They have claimed multiple Liga MX championships and earned international recognition through tournaments like the Concacaf Champions League.
However, what sets Pachuca apart isn’t just its trophies but its steadfast commitment to defending Mexican soccer. With a philosophy focused on nurturing local talent, the club has become a cradle for players who have shone both domestically and abroad.
A Clash of Philosophies
Mention Real Madrid, and what comes to mind is a global powerhouse—a machine that assembles the world’s top stars with astronomical budgets. In contrast, Pachuca represents a different approach: investing in homegrown talent, developing local infrastructure, and staying rooted in its heritage.
The clash between these two philosophies was evident during the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup. Although Pachuca didn’t manage to defeat Real Madrid, the match showcased the Mexican club’s determination to compete toe-to-toe with one of the world’s most formidable teams. Simply reaching that stage was a triumph for Mexican soccer and a reminder that, with effort and vision, even the giants can be challenged.
A Message to Global Soccer
Pachuca isn’t just focused on winning games; it aims to vindicate Mexican soccer on an international stage dominated by European powerhouses. Its dedication to national identity and refusal to rely solely on foreign stars sends a powerful message: Mexican soccer has the talent, character, and vision to compete at the highest level.
In a world where money often makes the difference, Pachuca stands as a rebel, a defender of authentic soccer, and an inspiration for teams from developing nations. Every step it takes on the international stage is not just a defense of its legacy but a testament to the dream that Mexican soccer can shine brightly, even in the imposing shadow of Real Madrid.
With every ball contested, every young talent nurtured, and every game played, Pachuca reminds us that beyond titles and fame, soccer is about passion, identity, and, above all, the drive to dream. In this fight, the team from Hidalgo has proven itself to be a true rebel with a cause.