Can Ten-Man Real Madrid Triumph Over Pachuca in Club World Cup?
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating showdown at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, ten-man Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3-1 victory against Pachuca. Despite losing a key player early in the match, the Spanish giants showcased their resilience, with standout performances from Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. This victory positions Madrid favorably in Group H. Stay tuned for more action!
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid showcased resilience despite being down a player.
- Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde were key players in the victory.
- The match was held at Bank of America Stadium.
- This win places Madrid at the top of Group H.
- Pachuca's hopes in the tournament are now over.
Charlotte, June 23 (NationPress) Ten-man Real Madrid triumphed over Mexico's Pachuca with a score of 3-1 in their Group H encounter at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Monday (IST).
Entering the match at Bank of America Stadium, Madrid was positioned second in the group behind FC Salzburg, following a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in their opening game. The Spanish powerhouse was missing their star forward Kylian Mbappe, who is currently recovering from gastroenteritis.
Just seven minutes into the match, center back Raul Asencio received a straight red card for a foul on Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon, leaving Madrid a man down, as per reports from Xinhua.
Despite the disadvantage, Vinicius Jr. nearly exploited a defensive lapse shortly after. Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno mishandled a weak back pass but managed to recover the ball just in time to prevent Vinicius from scoring.
Pachuca challenged Real's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois twice, with close-range shots from Robert Kenedy and Alan Bautista, but the Belgian made impressive saves on both attempts.
Jude Bellingham put Madrid ahead in the 35th minute after receiving a pass from Fran Garcia inside the box and firing it into the bottom right corner. Just before halftime, Madrid extended their lead when Gonzalo Garcia assisted Arda Guler, who found the far post.
At the break, Courtois commented on Asencio's dismissal, saying, "It's twice in two games now, the same mistake. It might have been only slight contact but he has to be a bit more intelligent. But he knows that. We are going to battle for him and win without him. And then when he returns, to win then too."
Federico Valverde added a third goal for Madrid in the 70th minute, while Elias Montiel netted a consolation goal for Pachuca ten minutes later.
Al Hilal is set to face Pachuca in their last group match on Thursday in Nashville, while Real Madrid will meet Salzburg on the same day in Philadelphia.
Earlier in Washington, D.C., Salzburg and Al Hilal played to a goalless draw. This victory propels Real Madrid to the top of the group with four points, edging out Salzburg on goal difference. Al Hilal sits in third place with two points, while Pachuca's hopes in the Club World Cup are dashed with consecutive defeats.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the determination and skill exhibited by Real Madrid in their latest match. Despite the challenges faced, including the early dismissal of Raul Asencio, the team's ability to adapt and secure a win against Pachuca is commendable. This victory not only boosts their confidence but also showcases the depth of talent within the squad. As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see how Madrid builds on this momentum.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
The final score was 3-1 in favor of Real Madrid.
Who scored the goals for Real Madrid?
Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde were among the scorers for Real Madrid.
What impact did Asencio's red card have on the match?
Asencio's red card left Madrid with ten players, yet they managed to secure a win.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
What is the current group standing for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid is currently at the top of Group H with four points.
