In a remarkable display of resilience, Real Madrid overcame the odds to clinch a 3-1 victory against Pachuca, despite playing with just 10 men for nearly the entire match. This defeat marks Pachuca’s third consecutive defeat against European teams in the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC).
As pre-match underdogs, Pachuca were not expected to pose much of a challenge to the European giants known as Real Madrid.
Their hopes of pulling off a major upset were given a significant boost within the first 10 minutes when a hopeful ball behind the defence released Salomon Rondon. However, Raul Asencio, Real’s defender, fouled him as the last man, earning a red card for his efforts.
Pachuca quickly created a golden opportunity but were thwarted by a stunning double save from Thibaut Courtois, who denied both Kenedy and then Alan Bautista on the follow-up.
Reduced to 10 men, the Spanish side found themselves under pressure for much of the game, yet somehow managed to take the lead against the flow of play.
Their goal came from a beautifully orchestrated run by Jude Bellingham, who was picked out by Fran Garcia, allowing the Englishman to slot a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Pachuca faced the harsh truths of elite football once again before half-time, as a sweeping move from Real, featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gonzalo Garcia, culminated with Arda Güler finding the back of the net.
With a man advantage, Pachuca had greater control following the break and created a fantastic opportunity just 15 minutes in, but Federico Pereira’s header drifted agonisingly wide thanks to Rondon’s touch.
However, their dreams of a comeback were dashed 20 minutes before the final whistle.
It was now Pachuca on the back foot as Brahim Diaz’s crafty cross was diverted into the net by Federico Valverde, sealing the game for Real Madrid.
Eventually, Pachuca managed to score a consolation goal that was perhaps deserved, albeit with a hint of luck, as Elias Montiel’s shot took a deflection off Aurelien Tchouameni.
This solitary goal proved to be merely a consolation for Pachuca, whose exit from the CWC is now official.
Madrid’s inaugural win of the tournament under new manager Xabi Alonso positions them well for potential progression, although they still face challenges ahead if they want to top their group.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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