Xabi Alonso claimed his first win as Real Madrid coach as they overcame the early dismissal of Raul Asencio to beat Pachuca 3-1 at the Club World Cup.
Alonso’s first game ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw with Al Hilal, and Pachuca caused his side plenty of problems, especially after centre-back Asencio was sent off in the seventh minute.
But Madrid weathered the early storm and took command of the game after Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 35th minute, with Arda Guler doubling the lead eight minutes later.
Fede Valverde, who had a late spot-kick saved against Al Hilal, redeemed himself with a 70th-minute effort, with Elias Montiel’s response nothing more than consolation for Pachuca as their hopes of progression to the last 16 came to an end. Madrid are top of Group H ahead of Al Hilal’s game with Red Bull Salzburg later on Sunday.
Real Madrid v Pachuca
There were early signs of Madrid struggling to deal with the threat posed by Pachuca striker Salomon Rondon, and his presence led to Ascencio receiving his marching orders.
Rondon beat Madrid’s high line to bear down on Thibaut Courtois’ goal, but Asencio hauled him down just shy of the penalty area and received a straight red.
Agustin Palavecino curled the subsequent free-kick over the bar, with Kenedy then flashing narrowly wide as Pachuca sought to take advantage of their extra man.
They would have done so if not for the reflexes of Courtois, who produced a fine double save to keep out Kenedy’s long-range effort and then deny Alan Bautista on the rebound.
Pachuca paid the price for not taking their chances when Bellingham strode onto Fran Garcia’s lay-off and unleashed a superb low effort into the bottom-right corner.
Kenedy and Courtois continued their battle as the latter produced another excellent save to again deny the Brazilian from distance.
And the pattern was repeated as Madrid doubled their lead soon after, Trent Alexander-Arnold rolling the ball across the box for Gonzalo Garcia, who then laid off for Guler to round off another excellent move in confident fashion.
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That goal did not deter Pachuca in the second half as they continued to create opportunities, Rondon wasting one as he volleyed wide with a first-time effort before substitute John Kennedy forced another fine Courtois save from the edge of the box.
But once again Madrid showed the greater cutting edge as Valverde made it 3-0 by stretching to prod Brahim Diaz’s return ball in at the far post.
Montiel’s deflected effort gave Pachuca the goal they deserved as Courtois was left rooted with no chance.
But the Belgian goalkeeper was at his best again to deny Carlos Sanchez after a wonderful run into the box, Courtois’ 10 saves reflective of the improvements Madrid still need to make despite an ultimately comfortable win.
