Real Madrid bounced back at the Club World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Pachuca on Sunday, overcoming an early red card to climb to the top of Group H. The win puts them one point above Salzburg, with one group-stage match remaining.
The turning point came just seven minutes in when Raul Asencio was dismissed for a last-man challenge on Salomon Rondon. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Real responded with admirable composure.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a clinical finish after a surging run into the box. The lead was doubled before the break as Arda Guler converted smartly from close range, capitalising on Gonzalo Garcia’s clever setup.
Federico Valverde sealed the win midway through the second half, combining with Brahim Diaz before slotting home Real Madrid’s third. Although Pachuca pulled one back through a deflected Elias Montiel effort, the Spanish giants maintained control until the final whistle.
Xabi Alonso’s side showed resilience in adversity, and with Kylian Mbappe still recovering from illness, contributions from younger players like Guler were especially crucial. The 19-year-old made history by becoming the youngest to reach 10 goals for Real Madrid since 2009/10.
Valverde’s tireless display, capped by a goal, earned him Man of the Match. The Uruguayan dominated midfield battles, completed 93% of his passes, and registered two tackles.
Despite the win, Madrid’s backline endured pressure, with Pachuca firing 25 shots and forcing 11 saves from Courtois. However, the attacking efficiency of Los Blancos proved decisive.
Madrid will now face Salzburg on June 27 in their final group match, with progression to the knockouts firmly within their grasp. Eliminated Pachuca will finish their campaign against Al-Hilal.
Key Match Stats:
- Possession: Real Madrid 57% – 43% Pachuca
- Shots: Real Madrid 8 – 25 Pachuca
- Shots on target: Real Madrid 3 – 11 Pachuca
- Fouls: Real Madrid 8 – 16 Pachuca
- Corners: Real Madrid 2 – 7 Pachuca
Notable Stats:
- Raul Asencio became the first European player since 2010 to be sent off and concede a penalty in a single Club World Cup edition.
- Arda Guler (20y 57d) is now the youngest player to score 10 goals for Real Madrid since at least 2009/10, surpassing Vinícius Júnior.
Madrid’s depth continues to be tested in the absence of Mbappe, but their young stars are stepping up just in time.