Crunch time at the Club World Cup as giants seek key wins in round two

The FIFA Club World Cup is heating up as the second round of group stage matches gets into full swing.

This weekend could play a crucial role in determining which teams take control in their bid to qualify for the knockout rounds, and here we examine Sunday’s headline fixtures.

Fluminense vs HD Ulsan

The Brazilian heavyweights proved they wouldn’t be an easy team to deal with in this competition, having managed to contain Borussia Dortmund’s threat in their opening match, which ended goalless.

Despite the result, Fluminense created more chances and looked the more dangerous side over the full 90 minutes than the German outfit.

They now face an Ulsan team still recovering from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in their first game.

With both sides needing points, this fixture becomes crucial, as a win would ease the pressure going into the final group match with a possible last 16 place at stake.

Juventus vs Wydad AC

Juventus cruised to an emphatic 5-0 victory over UAE Pro League outfit Al Ain in their opening fixture and remain strong contenders to progress to the last 16 as they prepare to face a tough challenge from Wydad Athletic Club on Sunday.

After enduring a rather modest Serie A campaign, which saw them just clinch a top-four finish and qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, this tournament provides a real opportunity for silverware, and their squad depth gives them a genuine shot at going all the way.

Their clash with Wydad is expected to be a far sterner test than the opening match.

Despite the Moroccan club’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City, their performance was more competitive than the scoreline suggests.

They are expected to grow stronger as the competition progresses and their confidence builds.

South African duo Thembinkosi Lorch and Cassius Mailula have been instrumental for the North African side in recent months and could play a pivotal role again on Sunday.

Real Madrid vs CF Pachuca

Real Madrid head into this encounter following a high-tempo 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, a result that left them slightly frustrated given their expectations as one of the tournament favorites. They’ll now aim to collect their first win of the competition.

Under the leadership of former midfielder Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos boast a talented mix of youthful energy and seasoned experience, making them well-equipped to hand Mexican outfit Pachuca a second defeat in this year’s global showpiece.

Pachuca pushed Austrian side RB Salzburg all the way in their opening game, and although they suffered a 2-1 loss, they were by no means outplayed, indicating they won’t be an easy team to overcome.

CA River Plate vs CF Monterrey

Argentine giants River Plate made an emphatic start with a commanding 3-1 victory over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in their first outing, a result that saw them seize early control of the group standings.

They now meet a tricky CF Monterrey side, who defied expectations by holding Inter to a 1-1 draw in their own opening match. The outcome of this clash could prove decisive in shaping the group’s final standings.

Alongside Inter, River Plate are considered among the favorites to progress to the next round from this group.