Real Madrid's center-back Raul Asencio received a straight red card just seven minutes into the match at Bank of America Stadium. Asencio pulled down Salomon Rondon from behind as the Pachuca forward chased a long ball.
Despite being a man down, Real Madrid maintained control of the game. The former UEFA Champions League winners compensated for their numerical disadvantage with superior ball control and efficiency. They dominated possession with 58%, registering eight shots, three of which were on target, resulting in three goals. In contrast, the Mexican side managed only one goal despite 25 attempts, nearly half of which were on target.
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Jude Bellingham celebrates his opening goal as Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-1 in their second Group H match of the FIFA Club World Cup on 22/6. Photo: AFP |
Jude Bellingham celebrates his opening goal as Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-1 in their second Group H match of the FIFA Club World Cup on 22/6. Photo: AFP
In the 35th minute, Real Madrid opened the scoring after a period of passing on the left wing. Jude Bellingham received the ball in midfield, drove into the penalty area, and slotted a low shot past goalkeeper Carlos Moreno.
Two minutes before halftime, the 10-man team doubled their lead. Goncalo Garcia delivered a cross into the box, setting up Arda Guler for a clinical finish into the corner of the net.
With Kylian Mbappe still sidelined due to acute gastritis, Garcia started his second consecutive game as center forward.
In the 70th minute, Real Madrid extended their lead further. Federico Valverde passed to the right wing, then surged into the box to tap in a rebound off Moreno.
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Real Madrid players celebrate their third goal in the victory over Pachuca on 22/6. Photo: EFE |
Real Madrid players celebrate their third goal in the victory over Pachuca on 22/6. Photo: EFE
Pachuca managed a consolation goal in the 80th minute when Elias Montiel's shot deflected off a Real Madrid player and into the net.
The victory propelled Real Madrid to the top of Group H. The Spanish side has 4 points after two games, one point ahead of both Red Bull Salzburg and Al Hilal. However, a Salzburg win against Al Hilal would drop Real Madrid to second place. Pachuca is eliminated, having failed to secure any points after two matches.
This marks Real Madrid's second victory over Pachuca in six months. They previously defeated the Mexican team 3-0 in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in 12/2024.
Thanh Quy
