Real Madrid Overcome Pachuca with 10 Men in Club World Cup

Real Madrid demonstrated their resilience with a 3-1 victory over Pachuca in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup match in Charlotte.

Thibaut Courtois delivered an outstanding performance with 10 crucial saves — after his team was forced to play with 10 men from early in the match following Raúl Asencio’s red card.

Coach Xabi Alonso made appropriate tactical adjustments after Asencio’s dismissal — shifting Federico Valverde to the center to support Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham in midfield.

• Bellingham opened the scoring for Madrid
• Güler doubled the lead through Gonzalo García’s assist
• Valverde scored the third goal
• Montiel netted a consolation goal for Pachuca

“Two games, same mistake. We need to be more intelligent,” said Courtois at halftime.

García, just 21 years old, impressed while replacing ill Kylian Mbappé and injured Endrick — making vital contributions before being substituted at halftime.