Real Madrid picked up their first win under Xabi Alonso in the FIFA Club World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Pachuca, but the game didn’t come without early drama.
Defender Raul Asencio saw red within the opening minutes, forcing Los Blancos to respond quickly — and they did, with composure and class.
Asencio Sees Red After Early Foul
According to reports Alonso made just one change to his starting lineup from the 1-1 draw against Al Hilal, aiming for stability. But just seven minutes into the match, things took a sharp turn.
A long ball caught the Madrid backline off guard, and Asencio brought down Salomon Rondon, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Referee Ramon Abatti Abel wasted no time showing a straight red card.
It was a costly moment that could have shifted the momentum — but instead, it sparked a Real Madrid response.
Real Madrid Respond with Confidence
Despite being a man down for nearly the entire match, Real Madrid dominated the remainder of the game. Goals from Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler gave Los Blancos a solid lead before halftime.
Fede Valverde added a third in the second half to seal the result, while Pachuca managed a late consolation goal. The win puts Real Madrid in a strong position heading into their Group H decider against RB Salzburg on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Alonso’s Calm Yet Firm Message to Asencio
After the match, Xabi Alonso didn’t single out Asencio for harsh criticism, but he was clear that the red card was a teachable moment.
“I will talk with Raul Asencio, but for sure, he needs to learn from these type of experiences,” Alonso said after the match.
“Asencio shouldn’t have made that mistake. It’s important that he knows that.
“Early in the game you need to take chances, but not make a foul for a red card. He’s still young, and this is an experience to think about for the future.”
Asencio remains a promising talent, and with guidance from a coach like Alonso, there’s every chance he’ll learn and grow from this setback.
MadridistasZone Opinion:
I actually like how Alonso handled the situation. No public shaming, just a clear message: mistakes happen, but you’ve got to learn from them — especially when you wear the white shirt of Madrid. Asencio still has a lot of promise, and this is part of the growing process.