Real Madrid overcame an early red card to dominate Pachuca and secure a 3-1 victory in their Club World Cup Group H match held in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 22, 2025. Despite playing with 10 men for the majority of the match, Real Madrid showcased their quality and resilience, earning their first win of the tournament.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 7th minute when Raul Asencio was sent off for a foul on Salomon Rondon, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. This early setback forced Real Madrid to reorganize and dig deep. Pachuca started strong, testing the Real Madrid defense. However, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois proved to be a formidable barrier, making a series of crucial saves to keep his team in the game.

As the first half progressed, Real Madrid weathered the storm and began to assert themselves. In the 36th minute, Jude Bellingham showcased his brilliance by scoring the opening goal. Bellingham took a pass from Fran Garcia and unleashed a left-footed shot that found the bottom corner of the net, giving Real Madrid the lead. Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, Arda Guler extended Real Madrid's advantage with a well-placed shot, making it 2-0.

Pachuca continued to press in the second half, creating several opportunities to score. However, Courtois remained resolute, denying their attempts. In the 71st minute, Federico Valverde sealed the victory for Real Madrid with a sliding volley, increasing their lead to 3-0. Despite the scoreline, Pachuca kept fighting and eventually found a consolation goal in the 80th minute through Elias Montiel, whose shot deflected off Aurelien Tchouameni.

After the match, Bellingham was named player of the match. He praised his team's resilience and togetherness. Real Madrid's coach, Xabi Alonso, secured his first victory as the team's manager. This win puts Real Madrid in a strong position to advance to the last 16, with their next match against RB Salzburg on Friday. Meanwhile, Pachuca will seek their first points against Al-Hilal.