The clash between Real Madrid and Pachuca at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup delivered a spectacle filled with drama, resilience, and controversy. Played in Charlotte, North Carolina, the match saw Real Madrid, reduced to ten men early on, overcome adversity to secure a 3-1 victory. This result not only marked Xabi Alonso’s first win as Real Madrid head coach but also kept the Spanish giants’ Club World Cup hopes alive, while Pachuca’s campaign ended in disappointment.
Early Red Card Sets the Stage
The match began with a jolt. Just seven minutes in, Real Madrid’s 21-year-old defender Raúl Asencio was sent off for a last-man foul on Salomón Rondón, leaving Madrid with ten men for over 80 minutes. The early dismissal threatened to derail Alonso’s side, especially after a lacklustre 1-1 draw in their tournament opener against Al Hilal. Yet, the team’s response was nothing short of remarkable.
Bellingham and Güler Shine in the First Half
Despite being a player down, Real Madrid’s quality soon began to show. England international Jude Bellingham, who has quickly become a fan favourite at the Bernabéu, opened the scoring in the 35th minute. His powerful low strike into the bottom corner gave Madrid the lead and shifted momentum firmly in their favour.
Just before half-time, Arda Güler doubled the advantage with a well-taken finish after a slick move involving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gonzalo García. The build-up showcased Alonso’s intent to instill a more fluid, attacking style, with Alexander-Arnold’s involvement highlighting his adaptation to Spanish football since his high-profile summer move.
Valverde Seals the Win
The second half saw Pachuca push forward, desperate to exploit their numerical advantage. However, Real Madrid’s defence, marshalled by the returning Antonio Rüdiger, held firm. Thibaut Courtois was called into action repeatedly, making ten saves to keep Pachuca at bay.
Federico Valverde, often dubbed Madrid’s “Mr Reliable”, put the result beyond doubt in the 70th minute. Latching onto a cross from Brahim Díaz, Valverde’s volley made it 3-0, effectively ending Pachuca’s resistance. Although Pachuca managed a late consolation through Elias Montiel, whose deflected shot finally beat Courtois, it was too little, too late.
Alonso’s Tactical Evolution
This match was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent from Xabi Alonso. After a shaky start to the tournament, Alonso demanded a more complete performance. “It’s an intense match, we want to win, it’s a short competition. We have to be with better feelings, we want a more complete game with the ball and without the ball,” Alonso told reporters before the game.
Madrid’s ability to adapt after going down to ten men, maintain composure, and execute well-drilled attacking moves spoke volumes about Alonso’s early influence. The use of a high defensive line and the integration of new signings like Alexander-Arnold and Güler suggest a team in transition, but one with immense potential.
Pachuca’s Missed Opportunity
For Pachuca, this defeat was a bitter blow. The Mexican side, reigning CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, had entered the tournament with high hopes. However, after a 2-1 defeat to RB Salzburg and now a loss to Madrid, their campaign ended at the group stage.
Despite enjoying a 25-8 advantage in shots and 11-3 in shots on target, Pachuca struggled to convert their dominance into goals. The difference lay in Madrid’s clinical finishing and Courtois’ heroics in goal. Pachuca’s spirited performance was not enough against a side with Madrid’s pedigree and experience.
Racial Abuse Allegation Mars the Occasion
The match was overshadowed in stoppage time by an alleged incident of racial abuse. Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger reported to the referee that Pachuca’s captain, Gustavo Cabral, had directed a racial slur at him. The referee activated FIFA’s new anti-racism protocol, signalling for action and triggering an official investigation.
Cabral denied the allegation, stating post-match that the confrontation was a misunderstanding. Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso voiced their support for Rüdiger, with Alonso stating, “We believe him. This is intolerable.” FIFA has yet to issue a formal statement, but the incident has reignited debate over racism in football and FIFA’s approach to tackling discrimination at major tournaments.
UK Connections and Player Impact
For UK fans, there was particular interest in Jude Bellingham’s influential display and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s growing role in Madrid’s setup. Bellingham’s goal and all-action performance have drawn praise from British pundits, reinforcing his status as one of England’s brightest talents. Alexander-Arnold’s adaptation to Spanish football is closely watched, with his versatility and passing range adding a new dimension to Madrid’s play.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
With this win, Real Madrid sit atop Group H and are poised to advance to the Club World Cup knockout stages. Their final group match against RB Salzburg will be crucial, especially with Kylian Mbappé expected to return from illness. Alonso’s side will look to build on this momentum and stake their claim for yet another global trophy.
Final Thoughts
The Real Madrid vs Pachuca encounter had everything: early drama, tactical intrigue, standout individual performances, and an unfortunate off-field controversy. For Xabi Alonso, it was a night that showcased his team’s fighting spirit and his own managerial promise. For Pachuca, it was a lesson in the fine margins that separate success and failure at the highest level.
As the Club World Cup unfolds, all eyes will remain on Madrid’s quest for silverware—and on football’s ongoing challenge to ensure the beautiful game is free from discrimination
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