Despite Asencio Red, Alonso wins first

Xabi Alonso claimed his first victory as Real Madrid coach as he overcame Raul Asensio’s early layoff by beating Pachuca 3-1 at the Club World Cup.

Alonso’s first game ended with an annoyed 1-1 draw with Al Giral, with Pachuca causing a lot of problems on his side, especially after centre-back Asensio was sent out in the seven minutes.

However, Madrid survived an early storm, and after Jude Bellingham opened up a goal in the 35th minute, he took charge of the match, with Alda Goller doubled the lead eight minutes later.

Fede Valverde, who saved a slow spot kick against Al Giral, redeemed himself in a 70-minute effort. Madrid is heading Group H ahead of Al Giral’s match against Red Bull Salzburg in the second half of Sunday.

Real Madrid in Pachuca

There were early signs that Madrid struggled to deal with the threat posed by Patchuca striker Salomon London, and his presence led Asensio to receive a march order.

London defeated Madrid’s high line and endured Thibaut Courtwa’s goal, but Asensio pulled the shy guy into the penalty area and received a straight red.

Agustin Palavecino curled the subsequent free kick at the bar, flashing narrower as Kenedy tried to take advantage of their extra guy.

They would have done so if not because of Courtois’ reflexion, who shut out Kennedy’s long-distance efforts and created a great double save to deny Alain Bautista on the rebound.

Pachuca paid the price to not seize the chance when Bellingham stepped into Fran Garcia’s layoff and unleashed a great low effort in the lower right corner.

Kennedy and Courtois went on to fight for the latter to produce another great save and deny the Brazilians from afar.

And as Madrid quickly doubled the lead, the pattern repeated, and Trent Alexander Arnold rolled the ball over Gonzalo Garcia’s ball.

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That goal didn’t stop Pachuca in the second half. They continued to create opportunities, and London wasted the volley in their first effort before instead forced John Kennedy to save another fine courtwa from the edge of the box.

But once again, Madrid took the bigger cutting edge as Valverde made it 3-0 by stretching to produce Brahim Diaz’s return ball at the far post.

Montiel’s biased efforts gave Pachuka the goal they deserved when Kurdva was left without a chance and ingrained.

However, the Belgian goalkeeper was once again at his best to deny Carlos Sanchez after a great run to the box.