At Bank of America Stadium on 22/6, Real Madrid faced a disadvantage when central defender Raul Asencio received a red card in the 7th minute for pulling Salomon Rondon's shirt, denying Pachuca a clear scoring opportunity. Playing a man down, the European team endured constant attacks. Throughout the match, they faced 25 shots from the Mexican team, 11 of which were on target.

However, efficiency helped Real escape dramatically, even scoring three goals from three shots on target, thanks to Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Federico Valverde. They only conceded one goal from a deflected shot by Elias Montiel. The 3-1 result put Real at the top of Group H with four points, while Pachuca was eliminated early with no points after two matches.

Bellingham celebrates his opening goal in Real's 3-1 victory over Pachuca in the second round of Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup on 22/6. Photo: Icon Sport

Bellingham celebrates his opening goal in Real's 3-1 victory over Pachuca in the second round of Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup on 22/6. Photo: Icon Sport

"It was difficult after Asencio was sent off," Bellingham, who was named man of the match, said after the game. "Asencio is a young defender, there's nothing to blame. It was a test of our character and leadership."

The English midfielder praised goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for his excellent saves, and Alonso for making the right adjustments. Playing with a man down, Real retreated deep, ceded possession to Pachuca, and waited for counter-attacking opportunities.

"The coach decided to change the formation and we did a good job," Bellingham said. "We had to weather the storm, Pachuca had a lot of shots. It's a good win, not perfect yet, but Alonso's ideas are great and we want to continue."

Meanwhile, Courtois criticized his younger teammate Asencio – the Spanish central defender who also committed a foul in the penalty area that led to a penalty in Real's opening match against Al Hilal. "Two matches, and the same mistake," the Belgian goalkeeper expressed his disappointment. "We have to play smarter."

Bellingham, who has been wearing a shoulder brace since injuring it in 11/2023, confirmed he will have surgery after Real's FIFA Club World Cup campaign. "It's okay now, I've reached the stage where the pain isn't too bad," the 21-year-old midfielder shared. "I've scheduled surgery a few days after the final. It's time. I've run out of patience with wearing the brace."

Yesterday's match was interrupted after an argument between Antonio Rudiger and Pachuca's Gustavo Cabral. Referee Ramon Abatti immediately signaled that FIFA's anti-racism protocol had been activated. FIFA has launched an investigation.

"FIFA's protocol has been activated. We will find out what happened," Alonso said. "Rudiger said he was insulted and we believe him. There is no tolerance for this, it shouldn't happen."

Cabral denied using racist language towards Rudiger, while Pachuca coach Jaime Lozano said he was unaware of the allegation.

Hong Duy (ESPN)