Real Madrid overcame an early red card to secure a 3-1 victory against Pachuca, making significant progress toward the knockout stage of the Club World Cup on June 22.
Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Tops Group H as Pachuca Face Elimination
Under the guidance of new head coach Xabi Alonso, Madrid emerges at the top of Group H with four points, while Pachuca faces elimination after suffering two consecutive defeats.
Saudi club Al Hilal, after drawing with Real in their opening match, will take on second-placed Salzburg later on Sunday.
Raul Sencio’s 7th-Minute Red Card Tests 10-Man Madrid
The Spanish giants faced an uphill battle just seven minutes into the match when Raul Sencio received a straight red card for taking down Salomon Rondon, who was clear on goal.
The Liga MX team saw an opportunity for an upset in front of 70,248 people at the Carolina Panthers’ home stadium.
Pachuca’s Early Pressure: Kenedy & Bautista Thwarted by Courtois
Pachuca came close to scoring when Brazilian Kenedy had a shot that Thibaut Courtois expertly parried away. The Belgian goalkeeper then made another impressive save to deny Alan Bautista’s follow-up attempt.
However, Real managed to take control of the match in the midfield and reduce the tempo, which minimized chances for Pachuca.
Bellingham’s Opener: Garcia Assist Sparks 35th-Minute Breakthrough
In the 35th minute, Madrid broke the deadlock thanks to a brilliant team goal.
Gonzalo Garcia’s skillful flick set Fran Garcia free on the left, and he glanced inside to Jude Bellingham, who controlled the ball effortlessly before smashing a left-foot shot into the corner.
Courtois Heroics Deny Pachuca Breakthrough Chances
Pachuca remained undeterred, and Courtois had to stay sharp once more, diving to deflect a low shot from the threatening Kenedy.
However, 2 minutes before halftime, Real increased their lead when Trent Alexander-Arnold drilled a low cross in from the right and Arda Guler collected Gonzalo’s smart lay-off to shoot home.
Following the halftime break, Pachuca produced many opportunities, pounding Courtois’s goal, but the Belgian was able to stop Brazilian substitute John Kennedy as well as attempts from Rondon and Bryan Gonzalez.
Javier Eduardo Lopez squandered a golden opportunity for the Mexican team, shooting wide following a bout of careless defending from Madrid.
Federico Valverde’s goal in the 70′, following an effective exchange with Brahim Diaz, put the result beyond question.
Pachuca was finally rewarded for their persistent efforts when Elias Montiel hit a shot that took a deflection off Aurelien Tchouameni, sending the ball flying past a wrong-footed Courtois.
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