Real Madrid’s Grit and Glory: 3-1 Victory Over Pachuca with Ten Men
If you watched the Real Madrid vs. Pachuca clash at the Club World Cup, you probably felt the same mix of tension and triumph that fans around the world experienced. It was a battle of resilience, tactical maturity, and flashes of brilliance, as Real Madrid managed a convincing 3-1 win over Mexican side Pachuca—despite being a man down for nearly the entire match.
It all started with a dramatic twist just six minutes in, when Raúl Asencio saw red after a desperate foul on Rondón, leaving Madrid with ten players for almost 85 minutes. That could’ve spelled disaster. But no. Under the scorching heat of Charlotte, and the growing expectations of the Xabi Alonso era, Real Madrid chose fight over fear.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 34th minute, showcasing once again why he’s already the heartbeat of this squad. He received a slick pass from Fran García, controlled it beautifully, and fired home with two touches—calm, clinical, confident. The Englishman later reflected on the challenges of playing with a shoulder injury and the weight of the heat, but made it clear: this team thrives under pressure.
Shortly after, Arda Güler, just 20 years old, made history as the youngest Real Madrid player to score 10 goals across all competitions since at least the 2009/10 season. His finish was elegant, his celebration electric, and his performance a reminder that he’s here not just to learn, but to lead.
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Then came Fede Valverde in the second half with a third goal that sealed the game. A well-timed run, a perfect lofted assist from Brahim, and a diving finish—Valverde’s trademark intensity written all over it.
Pachuca didn’t go quietly. They threw everything forward, registering an eye-popping 25 shots—the most any team has managed against Madrid in regulation since 2014. Elías Montiel eventually got one back with a long-range effort that took a slight deflection, but even then, Thibaut Courtois stood tall. The Belgian keeper was immense, pulling off multiple crucial saves that kept the scoreline safe.
This wasn’t a flawless Madrid. In fact, they only managed eight shots. But what Xabi Alonso’s men lacked in numerical strength, they made up for in tactical clarity and sheer willpower. The debut of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right flank showed glimpses of his attacking flair, while young Huijsen at center-back put on a commanding display—almost as if he’s been wearing the white shirt for a decade.
There was also off-the-pitch drama, with the match seeing the activation of FIFA’s anti-racism protocol after Rüdiger reportedly received insults from the stands. The moment was serious, and Madrid’s support for their player was immediate and unequivocal. Xabi Alonso addressed it after the match, saying simply, “It’s unacceptable.”
But despite all the chaos, fatigue, and controversy, Madrid walked away with the win—and maybe even more importantly, a statement. Ten men. Ninety minutes. Scorching heat. And yet, they found a way. That’s the Real Madrid spirit. Under Alonso’s guidance, it’s not just about talent anymore—it’s about grit. This team is growing, evolving, and proving that even when the odds are stacked, they still know how to rise.
3-1. Not just a scoreline. A message.
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