Real Madrid Triumphs Over Pachuca Without Asencio

Real Madrid, showcasing their immense quality and decisive plays, overcame the early and unnecessary expulsion of Raúl Asencio to dominate a willing yet limited Pachuca. Key to this victory were the astute decisions by Xabi Alonso, who expertly read the game. Bellingham, with his attacking prowess, alongside Arda Güler and the versatile Fede Valverde in the second half, made the difference. Pachuca is now eliminated, while Madrid edges closer to the round of 16, with Manchester City or Juventus on the horizon. A different level altogether.

Following a lacklustre performance against Al Hilal, Xabi Alonso made a tactical shift. He replaced Rodrygo with Arda Güler, positioning the Turk as the playmaker, with Tchouaméni as his support and Valverde ahead, leaning to the right. From a 4-3-3 against the Saudis to a classic 4-4-2, where Gonzalo, Castilla's 'killer', started in Mbappé's absence.

However, an unexpected event changed everything. Once again, Asencio was at fault, first misjudging and then acting rashly. In the previous match, he conceded a needless penalty, and this time he was sent off after seven minutes for another poor defensive move. First, he allowed Salomón Rondón to get behind him, then he pulled him back in a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

The Canarian left the field furious, aware that he was leaving his teammates in a dire situation and conscious that he was missing significant opportunities in this World Cup, especially with Huijsen well-established and Rüdiger on the way. Courtois publicly reprimanded Asencio during the break: "It's the same mistake twice, we need to be a bit smarter," he warned.

In that initial phase, with Tchouaméni now at centre-back following the expulsion, Madrid played on a knife-edge. They tried to close ranks, but Pachuca, with quick and few touches, posed a constant threat. The Venezuelan Rondón, a seasoned globetrotter at 35, was a persistent problem. As usual, Courtois was crucial, making a double save against Brazilian Kenedy and Argentine Palavecino.

Xabi Alonso was not convinced and used the hydration break to make adjustments. He moved Valverde back to the centre of midfield and gave Güler more freedom. This reorganisation helped Madrid, who capitalised on their first opportunity to score. It was a matter of speed and individual quality. A textbook move involving Valverde, Fran García, and Gonzalo, finished beautifully by Bellingham, who confidently cut inside and precisely shot with his left foot, low and across the goal.

Pachuca continued to press, but once again Courtois made a sensational save to deflect Kenedy's powerful shot, who was left too free. Once more, the Belgian giant's intervention preceded the second goal. Between Trent, Gonzalo, who provided an excellent first-touch assist, and Güler, they doubled Real Madrid's lead just before the break.

The match resumed in Charlotte, North Carolina, with Brahim replacing Gonzalo. Xabi prioritised dynamism, versatility, and playmaker connections over a central striker. Although the young striker had a great first half, it was another tactical success by the Basque coach.

The Mexicans tried to go all out, but once again they encountered Courtois, the best player on the pitch. Madrid closed ranks, knowing that Pachuca lacked the quality to make decisive plays in tight spaces, but the Basque coach was anxious and introduced two more midfielders, Ceballos and Modric, to better control the situation. Right after his move, Huijsen, excellent in ball distribution, Vini, Brahim, and the omnipresent Valverde secured a victory that Asencio had put in doubt.

Montiel's fortunate goal, which deflected off Tchouaméni, barely salvaged the Mexicans' honour, the Concacaf champions who once again fell to Madrid, as they did six months ago in the Intercontinental Cup final.