Real Madrid showcased resilience and tactical prowess on June 22, 2025, securing a commanding 3-1 victory over Liga MX side Pachuca at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite being reduced to ten men early in the match, Xabi Alonso's squad delivered a performance that not only kept their hopes alive in the FIFA Club World Cup but also marked their first win under the new manager's tenure.
The match began on a challenging note for Real Madrid when defender Raúl Asencio received a straight red card just six minutes in. The young defender was sent off after fouling Salomón Rondón, who was through on goal, in a last-man challenge. This early setback left Los Blancos to navigate the remainder of the game with a numerical disadvantage, a daunting task against a determined Pachuca side eager to bounce back from their opening 2-1 loss to RB Salzburg.
Pachuca capitalized on their advantage in the opening half-hour, pressing hard and creating several promising opportunities. Kenedy, operating on the left flank, tested Real Madrid's defense but was unable to convert, with a notable shot skimming the side netting. However, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, stood as a formidable barrier, making several crucial saves that kept his team in the game. His performance drew comparisons to his stellar display in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.
The breakthrough for Real Madrid came in the 35th minute through the midfield maestro Jude Bellingham. Receiving a flick-on from Gonzalo Garcia, Fran Garcia's precise pass found Bellingham centrally, who unleashed a devastating left-footed strike to open the scoring. This goal shifted momentum, with Real Madrid beginning to assert their quality despite being a man down.
Just before halftime, Arda Guler doubled the lead. The goal was a product of exquisite teamwork, initiated by Trent Alexander-Arnold's classful play down the right wing and Gonzalo García's involvement in the buildup. Guler's composed finish into the bottom corner sent Real Madrid into the break with a two-goal cushion, much to the delight of their supporters.
The second half saw a notable drop in intensity from both sides. Xabi Alonso utilized the opportunity to rotate his squad, bringing on Brahim Diaz, Dani Ceballos, and Luka Modric to maintain energy levels. Real Madrid, despite their numerical disadvantage, maintained control and looked dangerous on the counterattack. Brahim Diaz played a pivotal role in the third goal, delivering a deft ball over the defense that Federico Valverde met with an extended leg volley, sealing a 3-0 lead in the 70th minute.
Pachuca, showing admirable spirit, managed to pull a goal back in the 80th minute through Elías Montiel. His shot, deflected and wrong-footing Courtois, provided a consolation but was insufficient to spark a comeback. The Mexican side, now eliminated from the tournament after two group stage defeats, continued to press but failed to break down the disciplined Real Madrid defense.
The match concluded with five minutes of added time, during which Real Madrid's defense, marshaled by Dean Huijsen and Fran Garcia, stood firm against Pachuca's late pressure. Courtois made another sharp stop from a shot by Carlos Sánchez, underscoring his vital role in the victory.
Real Madrid's starting lineup featured notable debuts and key players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, both of whom retained their places after the previous 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal. The absence of Kylian Mbappe, who was recovering from gastroenteritis and did not travel from the team's Miami base to Charlotte, was felt but did not hinder the team's performance.
The win lifts Real Madrid to four points in Group H, keeping their knockout stage ambitions alive as they prepare for their final group match against RB Salzburg. Meanwhile, Pachuca's early exit from the competition raises questions about their ability to compete on the global stage despite their success in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Player ratings reflected the match's dynamics, with Courtois earning an impressive 8.8 out of 10 for his crucial saves. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde also impressed, both rated at 8.3, contributing significantly to Real Madrid's midfield dominance and goal-scoring. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen provided stability in defense, while Arda Guler's introduction added creativity and a goal.
On the Pachuca side, Elías Montiel stood out with a 7.6 rating, reflecting his efforts despite the team's struggles. Javier López and Kenedy also showed promising performances, but the collective effort was insufficient against the European giants.
Xabi Alonso, whose net worth is estimated at around $60 million from his illustrious playing and coaching career, continues to mold this Real Madrid side with a vision for success. His tactical adjustments and ability to inspire resilience were evident in this gritty yet stylish performance.
The match was broadcast live on TNT and streamed for free on DAZN, drawing global attention to this pivotal Club World Cup encounter. Fans witnessed a thrilling display of football, where Real Madrid overcame adversity to assert their dominance and keep their tournament hopes alive.
As the tournament progresses, Real Madrid will look to build on this victory, while Pachuca must reflect on their performance and regroup for future international challenges. The Club World Cup continues to offer a fascinating mix of styles and talents, with Real Madrid's latest triumph adding another chapter to their storied history on the global stage.
