Real Madrid faced an early scare when defender Raul Asencio was sent off just seven minutes in during their Club World Cup opener against Pachuca in Charlotte. Down to ten men, fans braced for an uphill battle—but Los Blancos showed why they are world champions.
In the 35th minute, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock, drilling a left-footed shot into the top corner after a neat pass from Fran Garcia. Eight minutes later, teenager Arda GĂĽler doubled the lead, slotting a right-footed finish off Gonzalo GarcĂa’s setup. Federico Valverde put the result beyond doubt in the second half with a slick sliding finish from Brahim DĂaz’s assist.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was in top form, making five crucial saves in the first half. Pachuca’s perseverance paid off late when ElĂas Montiel struck in the 80th minute, but it was too little, too late. The 3-1 win gives Xabi Alonso his first victory as Real Madrid coach and puts the Spanish giants atop their group heading into the knockout stage.
In other action, Juventus and City also clinched spots in the last 16, rounding off an exciting opening day at the Club World Cup.
Reference(s):
Ten-man Real Madrid edge Pachuca, Juventus and City advance to last 16
cgtn.com
