On a steamy Sunday evening at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Real Madrid showcased their resilience and tactical prowess by overcoming a significant early setback to defeat Pachuca 3-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite being reduced to ten men just seven minutes into the match, Xabi Alonso's side secured their first win under his management in this tournament, sending the Mexican side home and advancing confidently in Group H.
The match kicked off under sweltering conditions, with temperatures hovering around 33 degrees Celsius and a crowd of 70,248 fans buzzing with anticipation. Pachuca came out firing on all cylinders, immediately imposing their physicality and intensity. Salomón Rondón, the Venezuelan veteran striker, quickly became a thorn in Real Madrid's side, particularly troubling young defender Raúl Asencio. Rondón's early threat culminated in a pivotal moment in the seventh minute when Asencio, attempting to halt a clear goal-scoring opportunity, committed a foul that earned him a straight red card. This moment forced Real Madrid to play nearly the entire match with one player fewer, a daunting challenge against a relentless Pachuca attack.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, rose magnificently to the occasion. His commanding presence was epitomized by a crucial double save in the 18th minute, denying shots from Kenedy and Alan Bautista and keeping the scoreline level during a period when Pachuca dominated possession and created numerous chances. Up to that point, Pachuca had launched 12 shots in the first half alone, showcasing their offensive intent and pressing hard against the Spanish giants.
However, football often rewards clinical finishing and tactical discipline, and Real Madrid demonstrated both. In the 35th minute, Jude Bellingham, the English midfielder known for his dynamic play, capitalized on a swift counterattack. Receiving a precise pass from Francisco Garcia, Bellingham drove into the box and expertly slotted a left-footed shot past Pachuca's goalkeeper Carlos Moreno, breaking the deadlock. This goal marked Bellingham's 15th of the 2024-25 season and his first in the current campaign, injecting vital momentum into his side.
Just eight minutes later, Real Madrid doubled their advantage with a goal that was a testament to their refined attacking football. Arda Güler, the talented Turkish midfielder, finished off a slick sequence of one-touch passes initiated by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gonzalo Garcia. The move culminated in Güler placing a precise shot into the bottom corner, leaving the Pachuca defense and goalkeeper stranded. This goal was not only a display of individual skill but also of Real Madrid's collective fluidity despite their numerical disadvantage.
At halftime, the scoreboard read 2-0 in favor of Real Madrid, a surprising tally considering Pachuca's dominance in possession and shot volume. Pachuca had taken 20 shots by the 65th minute, with eight on target, but were repeatedly thwarted by Courtois' heroics and their own lack of finishing precision. The Mexican side's frustration was palpable, especially after a penalty appeal was denied following a VAR review.
Seeking to change the game's complexion, Pachuca introduced John Kennedy at halftime, whose immediate impact was evident. Kennedy's incisive runs and shots from distance tested Courtois, who remained steadfast, making several full-stretch saves to maintain his clean sheet. Nonetheless, Real Madrid struck again in the 70th minute, delivering a knockout blow to Pachuca's hopes.
The third goal originated from a well-orchestrated build-up. Dean Huijsen initiated the move with a perfectly timed through ball to Vinícius Júnior on the flank. The Brazilian winger then found Federico Valverde, whose clever pass to Brahim Diaz set up the Uruguayan midfielder for a decisive run into the box. Valverde, known for his relentless energy and technical skill, calmly poked the ball into the net, extending Real Madrid's lead to 3-0. This goal underscored Real Madrid's ability to execute precise, high-tempo football even when a man down.
Ten minutes later, Pachuca finally found the back of the net through Elías Montiel. His strike from outside the box took a significant deflection off Aurelien Tchouaméni, wrong-footing Courtois and giving Pachuca a deserved consolation goal after 22 attempts. Despite this, the goal was too little, too late to alter the match's outcome.
The closing stages saw heightened tensions, including minor altercations involving Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger and Pachuca players, but the referee maintained control until the final whistle. Real Madrid's victory not only secured three crucial points but also saw them briefly ascend to the top of Group H, setting up a tantalizing all-European clash against RB Salzburg on June 27, 2025.
This match was a vivid reminder of Real Madrid's enduring reputation for resilience and excellence. Even when reduced to ten men early on, they managed to outscore and outmaneuver a highly motivated Pachuca side that dominated possession and shots but ultimately fell short. The performance highlighted the importance of clinical finishing and defensive solidity, with Courtois' 10 saves playing a pivotal role in preserving the lead.
For Pachuca, the journey in the Club World Cup ends here, but their spirited performance against one of Europe's elite clubs will not be forgotten. Their upcoming match against Al Hilal will serve as a final showcase, but the lessons learned from this encounter—particularly the harsh reality that "if you’re going to shoot at the king, you’d better kill the king," as one observer put it—will resonate deeply.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will hope to have key players like Kylian Mbappé back from illness as they prepare for the knockout stages. The tactical acumen of Xabi Alonso, combined with the emerging brilliance of players like Bellingham, Güler, and Valverde, suggests that Los Blancos remain a formidable force in international club football.
