Club World Cup 2025: Real Madrid Dominate Pachuca To Seal 3-1 Win Despite Early Red Card
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Real faced a setback just seven minutes into the match when Raul Asencio received a straight red card for pulling down Salomon Rondon, who had a clear path to goal.
Real Madrid overcame an early red card to secure a 3-1 victory over Mexico's Pachuca, taking a significant step towards the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday.
With the win, Madrid, led by new head coach Xabi Alonso, tops Group H with four points, while Pachuca is eliminated after two defeats.
Saudi club Al Hilal, who held Real to a draw in their opener, face second-placed Salzburg later on Sunday.
The Spanish giants faced a setback just seven minutes into the match when Raul Asencio received a straight red card for pulling down Salomon Rondon, who had a clear path to goal.
This situation gave Pachuca hope for an upset in front of 70,248 fans at the home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers.
Pachuca came close to scoring when Brazilian Kenedy's shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois, and the Belgian goalkeeper made a brilliant save on Alan Bautista's follow-up attempt.
However, Real Madrid managed to control the game in midfield, slowing the pace and limiting Pachuca's opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute with a well-executed team goal. Gonzalo Garcia's clever flick released Fran Garcia down the left, who then passed to Jude Bellingham. Bellingham took the ball in stride and scored with a left-footed shot into the corner.
Just before halftime, Real doubled their lead. Trent Alexander-Arnold sent a low cross from the right, and Arda Guler collected Gonzalo's deft lay-off to fire home.
The outcome was sealed in the 70th minute when Federico Valverde scored following a smart exchange with Brahim Diaz.
Pachuca finally got on the scoreboard when Elias Montiel's shot deflected off Aurelien Tchouameni and wrong-footed Courtois.
Alonso, celebrating his first victory as Real coach, praised his team's handling of the early setback.
'We had to defend with one player less for almost the entire game, which made it intense for us. But we showed a lot of sacrifice and solidarity in our defence, which is what's needed," he said.
'We waited for our chances, so I was really pleased with the performance with a player less," he added.
(with inputs from AFP)
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June 23, 2025, 08:00 IST
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