Real Madrid showed why they are still one of football’s most formidable sides by pulling off a thrilling 3-1 win over Mexico’s Pachuca at the FIFA Club World Cup — despite playing nearly the entire match with 10 men.
In what was Xabi Alonso’s first win as Real Madrid head coach, the Spanish giants proved their pedigree with a disciplined and clinical performance that keeps their tournament hopes alive.
The match at a packed neutral venue took an unexpected turn early on. Just 10 minutes after kickoff, Madrid defender Raúl Asencio was shown a straight red card for bringing down Salomón Rondón, who had gotten in behind the defense with a clean run at goal. It was a clear last-man foul and left the European champions with a huge challenge for the remaining 80 minutes.
Pachuca, already considered the underdogs, were suddenly handed a man advantage and sensed an opportunity for a massive upset. Their confidence grew, and they pushed forward with intent. Soon after the red card, they created their first real opening — a fast break saw Kenedy and Alan Bautista force a stunning double save from Thibaut Courtois, who once again proved why he’s among the world’s best goalkeepers.
But Madrid, even with 10 men, never looked shaken. They absorbed pressure with composure, tightened their lines defensively, and waited for the right moment to strike — and when that moment came, they took it in classic Real Madrid fashion. A slick through-ball from Fran García found Jude Bellingham making a sharp run from midfield. The English star controlled, opened his body, and fired a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner to give Real a surprising lead against the run of play.
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Pachuca were stunned. They had been on the front foot, but Madrid had struck with one swift move — a harsh reminder of the difference in quality and experience at the top level.
Madrid doubled their advantage before the break through one of their rising stars. A sweeping attack saw Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gonzalo García combine beautifully down the right. The ball eventually fell to Arda Güler, who calmly slotted it home to make it 2-0. Even with one man down, Madrid’s attacking precision was on full display.
43′ GOAL! ⚽
Arda Guler is at the right place at the right time to slot it in! @realmadrid now lead 2-0!Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #RMAPAC pic.twitter.com/qsvsA8Jl0z
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The second half began with renewed urgency from Pachuca, who tried to make their numerical superiority count. They pressed high and kept Madrid pinned back for long stretches. Their best chance came just before the hour mark when Federico Pereira nodded a clever header back across goal for Rondón, but the forward’s effort flew inches wide of the far post.
That missed opportunity would come back to haunt them.
With 20 minutes left, Real Madrid delivered the knockout blow. In a rapid counterattack, Brahim Díaz delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Midfielder Federico Valverde timed his run superbly and poked the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 3-0. It was a goal that showcased both the discipline and sharpness that Madrid had maintained throughout the match.
Valverde’s performance was immense. He covered ground defensively, made key interceptions, and capped it off with a goal that sealed the win. His composure and leadership in midfield made him the standout player of the night and earned him Man of the Match honors.
Pachuca did manage a consolation goal late in the match. Elías Montiel took a speculative shot from outside the box that took a wicked deflection off Aurélien Tchouaméni, leaving Courtois wrong-footed as the ball spun into the net. While it was a deserved goal for the Mexican side’s effort and commitment, it came too late to spark any real hope of a comeback.
For Pachuca, the result confirmed their elimination from the Club World Cup. Despite having a man advantage for over 80 minutes, they were unable to convert dominance into goals when it mattered most. This marks their third loss against European opposition in the competition, highlighting the gap in experience and execution at this level.
On the other hand, the result was a huge morale boost for Real Madrid and a strong statement from Xabi Alonso. Taking over one of the world’s biggest clubs is never easy, but managing a resilient 3-1 victory with 10 men in your first match is as good a debut as any manager could hope for. Alonso’s tactical tweaks after the red card — particularly his use of a compact midfield and quick counters — worked to perfection.
Madrid’s depth was also on display. Players like Brahim Díaz, Güler, and Fran García all made significant contributions, showcasing that this Real Madrid squad has quality beyond its big names. Even without the full 11 on the pitch, they never lost their structure or mentality — a sign of true champions.
With this victory, Madrid take a vital step forward in their Club World Cup campaign. Their place in the knockout rounds looks more promising, and with Alonso at the helm, fans are already beginning to dream of another international trophy.
The performance may have been gritty, at times defensive, but the outcome was pure Real Madrid — fight, flair, and a finish that leaves opponents wondering how they let it slip.
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