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Despite playing a man down after an early red card, Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-1 in a Group H encounter under intense heat in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Late first-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler established the lead before Federico Valverde’s 70th minute sliding volley confirmed Alonso’s first managerial victory on Sunday.
This result revitalizes Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign following their dramatic 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in Wednesday’s opening match, and occurred despite defender Raúl Asencio’s early send off. Madrid can now secure a spot in the last 16 with a win or draw against RB Salzburg on Thursday in Philadelphia.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made 10 crucial saves for Madrid. He was helpless, however, to stop Élias Montiel’s deflected 80th minute shot, which provided Pachuca’s only goal.
Despite outshooting Madrid 25-8 overall and 11-3 in shots on target, Pachuca suffered defeat.
Referee Ramón Abatti promptly dismissed Asencio in the seventh minute after the defender fouled Salomón Rondón just outside the penalty area, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. After enduring significant pressure for the first half-hour, Madrid surged ahead with two goals late in the first half.
Bellingham, named player of the match, praised his team’s unity afterwards. “We stayed together well [after the red card]. Obviously, Raul made a mistake. He is young and it will happen. It was impressive to see how the team came together and won the game.” He said in an Interview.
Manager Alonso specifically commended Courtois’ performance.”We are so happy to have Courtois in goal,He was so reliable, especially when we had one player less. We defended with a lot of sacrifice and waited for our chances.’’ He said
In an earlier Sunday Club World Cup match, Kenan Yıldız scored twice and contributed to another goal as Juventus defeated Wydad Casablanca 4-1, moving closer to securing a last-16 spot.
