Real Madrid Shine with a Magical Win Despite Being Down to 10 Men

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Real Madrid managed to deliver a magical performance. After being reduced to 10 men early in the match, the Spanish giants defeated Mexican club Pachuca 3-1 to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup.
On Sunday (June 22), at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, Real Madrid secured the Group H victory with goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Federico Valverde. Pachuca’s Elias Montiel scored a late consolation goal.
The match took a dramatic turn in just the 7th minute when Real’s defender Raul Asencio received a straight red card for pulling down Solomon Rondon from behind outside the box. Taking advantage of the extra man, Pachuca launched waves of attacks, but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stood tall, making 10 brilliant saves throughout the match.
In the 35th minute, Jude Bellingham opened the scoring for Madrid after receiving a pass from Vinícius Júnior and netting it with a left-footed strike. Just minutes later, young Turkish midfielder Arda Güler doubled the lead with a low shot, following a clever combination involving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gonzalo Garcia.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Pachuca continued their attacking efforts in the second half. However, Courtois’ outstanding saves kept them at bay. In the 70th minute, Federico Valverde made it 3-0 after a sharp exchange with Brahim Díaz and Vinícius, finishing with a stunning volley.
Pachuca managed to score in the 80th minute through Montiel, but it was too little, too late.
With this hard-fought win, Real Madrid now top Group H with 4 points from a win and a draw. Red Bull Salzburg is in second place, also with 4 points but behind on goal difference. Al Hilal sits third with 2 points, while Pachuca is eliminated after two straight losses.
Following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season, Xabi Alonso took charge as Real’s head coach before the club’s World Cup. This marks his first win at the helm. In their opening match, Madrid had drawn 1-1 with Al Hilal.

Interestingly, Real Madrid had previously beaten Pachuca 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup last December. Though Pachuca showed more attacking intent this time—taking 25 shots with 11 on target—Courtois’ heroics denied them. Madrid, on the other hand, had just 8 shots, converting 3 of the 4 on target.
With Kylian Mbappé still sidelined due to illness, real had to make do without their star forward. Yet, overcoming a red card and playing a man down for most of the game, their spirited victory earned widespread praise.