Real Madrid Defeat Pachuca and Move Closer to Round of 16
Real Madrid secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, in the second round of Group H at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Real Madrid secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, in the second round of Group H at the FIFA Club World Cup. The result puts the Spanish giants within touching distance of a place in the knockout stages.
Despite being reduced to ten men as early as the 7th minute following a straight red card shown to Raúl Asensio for a challenge on striker Rondón, Los Blancos showed remarkable composure and resilience to turn the game in their favor.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 35th minute, finishing off a beautifully worked team move that began with Fede Valverde, featured a brilliant backheel by Gonzalo, and a decisive pass from Fran García.
Just eight minutes later, Arda Güler doubled the lead with a composed finish after a slick one-two with Gonzalo inside the box, slotting it into the far corner with his right foot.
Pachuca came out fighting in the second half, creating several chances, including a shot from Rondón that went just wide in the 56th minute and a powerful effort from Kennedy that was superbly saved by Thibaut Courtois.
However, Madrid regained control and extended their lead in the 70th minute. Valverde volleyed in after a clever setup by Brahim Díaz, with the ball deflecting off Aurélien Tchouaméni on its way in.
Pachuca managed to pull one back in the 80th minute through Montiel, whose shot took a deflection off Tchouaméni and wrong-footed Courtois. But it proved to be a mere consolation.
The match also marked the return of Antonio Rüdiger, who came on in the 78th minute after a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
With this result, Real Madrid top Group H with four points and now prepare for a decisive final group match against Red Bull Salzburg, where a win could seal top spot and progression to the next round.