Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Mexican side Pachuca in a tense FIFA Club World Cup encounter in Charlotte, despite being reduced to 10 men just seven minutes into the game. Xabi Alonso’s side showed resilience and clinical finishing to earn their first win under the new manager and take a significant step towards qualification for the knockout stages.
The turning point came early when Raul Asencio was shown a straight red card for bringing down veteran striker Salomon Rondon, who was bearing down on goal. The challenge left Real exposed defensively for much of the match, as Pachuca pushed to capitalize on their numerical advantage in sweltering 33°C afternoon heat.
Pachuca Dominate Stats but Waste Opportunities
The scoreline flattered Real Madrid, who were on the back foot for much of the match. Pachuca recorded a staggering 25 shots to Madrid’s eight and dominated large spells of possession, frequently testing a shaky backline and making the most of their extra man.
However, wastefulness in front of goal and a lack of cutting edge proved costly for the CONCACAF champions. A penalty appeal in the first half—when Rondon was clipped in the box—was denied by the VAR, and several clear-cut chances were squandered. Despite their high-intensity approach, Pachuca only managed a single goal through a deflected Elias Montiel strike late on.
Bellingham Breakthrough and Guler Brilliance Seal It
With Real Madrid under pressure, Jude Bellingham once again stepped up when it mattered most. The England international latched onto a through ball, charged into the box, and calmly slotted home past the onrushing goalkeeper to open the scoring. It marked his 15th goal of the 2024-25 season—or potentially his first of the 2025-26 campaign.
Arda Guler doubled the lead shortly before half-time, converting smartly after a clever lay-off by Gonzalo Garcia, who had received a neat pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. The third came from Federico Valverde, who reacted quickest to poke the ball home amid a goalmouth scramble. While Pachuca pulled one back through Montiel, it was too little, too late.
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Real Madrid Edge Closer to Knockouts with Gritty 3-1 Win Over Pachuca Despite Red Card
While Real Madrid’s attack delivered in key moments, it was Thibaut Courtois who arguably made the difference. The Belgian keeper made 10 saves, including a crucial double-stop from Rondon and Alan Bautista, and another acrobatic effort to deny Carlos Sanchez from close range. Without his commanding presence, the outcome could have been very different.
Despite the win, Real Madrid’s defensive frailties were evident, particularly in the absence of suspended defenders and with Mbappe still sidelined due to gastroenteritis. Alonso will be concerned by how often his side were caught out of shape, especially against opponents of a higher caliber.
What’s Next: Real Eye Salzburg Showdown
With Pachuca now eliminated after back-to-back defeats, Real Madrid turn their attention to a decisive fixture against Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg on Friday at 02:00 BST. A win will guarantee them a spot in the last 16 and extend Alonso’s unbeaten start as manager to three matches.
The return of Kylian Mbappe could be a timely boost for the Spanish giants, who will need to tighten their defense and maintain their scoring form. For now, though, Madrid can take pride in grinding out a win against the odds—proof that even without a full squad, they remain a force in global football.
