📰 Real Madrid vs Pachuca Club World Cup 2025: Ten-Man Madrid Triumph Despite Pressure
Real Madrid vs Pachuca Club World Cup 2025 delivered a dramatic and hard-fought clash, with Madrid emerging as 3-1 winners despite playing with 10 men for over 80 minutes. The match, held in Charlotte, saw an early red card, stunning saves by Thibaut Courtois, and clinical finishing from Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Federico Valverde. The result puts Madrid one win away from the knockout stages.
⚽ Match Summary: Early Red Card, Then Resilience
Xabi Alonso’s team faced adversity early when defender Raul Asencio was sent off in the 7th minute for a last-man foul on Salomón Rondón. That left Madrid playing with 10 men in 33°C heat for over 80 minutes at a packed Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Despite being a man down, Real Madrid took the lead through Jude Bellingham, who ran on to a precise through ball and slotted it calmly past the goalkeeper. The second came from Arda Güler, set up by a smart pass from Gonzalo Garcia, who received the ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Federico Valverde added a third goal in the second half, putting the result beyond doubt. Pachuca’s Elias Montiel pulled one back late, but it was too little, too late.
🔍 What Was the Main Talking Point?
Though the scoreline reads 3-1, this was far from a comfortable win. Pachuca, with a one-man advantage for nearly the entire match, had 25 shots compared to Madrid’s eight. They missed several clear chances and even had a penalty appeal turned down by VAR.
Madrid, particularly in defense, looked shaky at times. Rondón and Kenedy, former Newcastle teammates, tested the backline throughout the game. Still, Real’s clinical finishing and Courtois’ goalkeeping heroics made the difference.
🧤 Thibaut Courtois: The Real Hero
Without Thibaut Courtois, Madrid may not have walked away with all three points. He made 10 crucial saves, including a double stop to deny Rondón and Alan Bautista, and another save to prevent a potential 3-2 scare from Carlos Sanchez. Real Madrid vs Pachuca Club World Cup 2025.
🌟 Key Performers for Madrid
- Jude Bellingham: Scored his 15th goal of the 2024–25 season.
- Arda Güler: Showed promise in a more central role under Alonso.
- Gonzalo Garcia: Continued to impress as a makeshift striker.
- Thibaut Courtois: Game-changing performance in goal.
📊 Interesting Stats and Records
- Real Madrid remain unbeaten in Club World Cup play (excluding a 2000 penalty loss).
- This was a repeat of the 2024 Intercontinental Cup Final, which Madrid also won.
- Attendance: Over 70,000 fans in Charlotte.
📅 What’s Next for Real Madrid and Pachuca?
- Real Madrid play Red Bull Salzburg next. A win will confirm their spot in the last 16.
- Pachuca, now eliminated, will face Al-Hilal in their final group match.
📌 FAQs
🔹 What was the score between Real Madrid and Pachuca?
Real Madrid won 3-1 despite being down to 10 men early.
🔹 Who scored for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup 2025 match?
Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Federico Valverde scored for Madrid.
🔹 Why was Raul Asencio sent off?
He was shown a red card for a last-man foul on Salomón Rondón in the 7th minute.
🔹 How did Thibaut Courtois perform?
Courtois made 10 saves, including multiple key stops that kept Madrid in the lead.
🔹 When is Real Madrid’s next Club World Cup 2025 match?
Madrid will face Red Bull Salzburg on Friday at 02:00 BST.
✅ Conclusion with Transition Words
Despite going down to 10 men early, Real Madrid showed strength and composure to beat Pachuca in a vital Club World Cup 2025 match. As a result, they are one win away from progressing to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, players like Bellingham, Güler, and Courtois stepped up under pressure. Looking ahead, Madrid will be aiming to seal their spot in the last 16 against Salzburg, while Pachuca will try to exit the tournament with pride.
In short, this was a gritty but significant win for Xabi Alonso’s men.
