Real Madrid shrugged off a red card setback and stormed to a 3-1 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup, marking Xabi Alonso’s first win as head coach.
In front of a 70,000+ crowd in Charlotte, Madrid delivered a commanding performance despite going down to 10 men in just the seventh minute, when defender Raúl Asencio was sent off for hauling down Agustín Palavecino.
Unfazed, the Spanish giants took control. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a precise left-footed finish after a clever feed from Fran García. Arda Güler doubled the lead eight minutes later, slotting home coolly from Gonzalo García’s assist.
Federico Valverde sealed the win in the second half with a sliding strike set up by Brahim Díaz. Thibaut Courtois was crucial between the posts, making 10 saves and denying several point-blank chances. Elías Montiel scored a late consolation for Pachuca in the 80th minute.
Madrid looked sharper than in their disappointing opener against Al Hilal. With Kylian Mbappé sidelined due to illness, others stepped up to deliver. “We stayed together really well,” Bellingham said. “It’s impressive how the team comes together.” Alonso’s era is officially underway.