Real Madrid's Federico Valverde celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal against Pachuca
Despite having 10 men for almost the entire 90 minutes, Real Madrid battled to secure a 3-1 victory against Pachuca, who have now lost all three of their FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) games against European opposition.
Pachuca’s status as heavy pre-match underdogs suggested they had little hope against European juggernauts Real Madrid.
Their chances of causing a seismic upset received a huge boost inside the opening 10 minutes, when a hopeful ball in behind freed Salomon Rondon who had got the wrong side of Raul Asencio, and the Real defender allowed him to go no further by dragging him to the floor as the last man, a foul worthy of a red card.0
It didn’t take long for their first big chance to arrive either, as a rapid counter-attack ended with an impressive double save from Thibaut Courtois to first deny Kenedy, and then Alan Bautista on the follow-up.
The Spanish giants had their backs against the wall for large periods after being reduced to 10 men, but against the run of play, they took the lead.
There was an air of simplicity about the goal, too, as a smart Jude Bellingham run was found by Fran Garcia, and the Englishman arrowed a left-footed effort into the bottom corner.0
Bellingham's goal for Real Madrid
Pachuca were reminded of the harsh realities of top-level football once more before the break, as a sweeping Real move involving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gonzalo Garcia was finished off by Arda GFCler.
With their man advantage, it was little surprise to see Pachuca in the ascendancy after half-time. A glorious chance fell their way within 15 minutes of the restart, too, when Federico Pereira’s header back across goal was directed inches wide of the post by Rondon.
Any chances the Mexican side had of getting back into the game dissipated 20 minutes from time.
It was Pachuca caught on the counter this time, as Brahim Diaz’s teasing delivery was prodded home by the outstretched leg of Federico Valverde to place the game beyond any reasonable doubt.
Match momentum
Pachuca did at least grab a consolation that their efforts warranted, but even that came with an element of fortune as Elias Montiel’s effort deflected in off the outstretched leg of Aurelien Tchouameni.
That goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation for Pachuca, whose elimination from the CWC has now been confirmed.
Madrid’s first win of the tournament, and under new boss Xabi Alonso, stands them in good stead to progress, but they still have work to do if they’re to top the group.0
_______________________________________________
Sponsored:
FIFA Club World Cup - Every Game Free, exclusively on DAZN.
Sign up here to start streaming.
_______________________________________________
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
- 1 OFFICIAL: Sevilla sign former Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta
- 2 OFFICIAL: Alejandro Garnacho joins Chelsea from Manchester United
- 3 Lucas Paqueta to leave West Ham! Aston Villa close in on £47m loan-to-buy deal to sign attacking midfielder
- 4 TIPS - Bologna FC 1909 VS Como 1907
- 5 TIPS - Liverpool VS Arsenal
- 6 'We’re considering a swap' - AC Milan confirm talks over potential deal to send Mexico's Santiago Giménez to AS Roma for Artem Dovbyk
- 7 Liverpool table fresh Marc Guehi bid as Reds hope £35m proposal will finally convince Crystal Palace to sell centre-back
- 8 TIPS - Pisa SC VS AS Roma
- 9 TIPS - Nagoya Grampus VS FC Tokyo
- 10 Should Manchester United transfer Bruno Fernandes away?