Real Madrid have bounced back from a rocky start to claim a 3-1 win over Pachuca in their first match of the Club World Cup. Goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Fede Valverde helped Real Madrid secure their first victory under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The win marks a significant boost for Real Madrid, who are now top of their standings and face Salzburg in their final group match. However, the team’s performance was not without its issues, particularly with Raul Asencio’s start to the tournament.
Asencio’s red card in the second half added fuel to the fire, but it is too early to write him off entirely. The young defender has struggled in his first two games, conceding a penalty and receiving a red card, but he was also Real Madrid’s best defender for 45 games last season.
On the other hand, Dean Huijsen has been impressive in his first two games with the team, providing vision and passing range that has helped unlock Pachuca’s defense. His maturity and composure on the pitch are reminiscent of players like Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos, and he is quickly adapting to life at Real Madrid.
The win also showcased a more cohesive team effort from Real Madrid, who looked more like a well-oiled machine than in recent matches. The ball movement was swift and efficient, with players working together to create scoring opportunities. While there are still areas for improvement, the victory marks an encouraging step forward for Xabi Alonso’s side.
With Salzburg waiting in their final group match, Real Madrid will look to build on this momentum and secure a top spot in their group.
Source: https://www.managingmadrid.com/2025/6/23/24454211/three-observations-from-real-madrids-3-1-win-vs-pachuca