CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Jude Bellingham praised Xabi Alonso’s “amazing ideas” after Real Madrid overcame an early red card to beat Pachuca 3-1 in the Club World Cup on Sunday, while confirming that he’ll undergo shoulder surgery when the tournament is over.
The win was Alonso’s first since taking over at Madrid before the Club World Cup after his team drew 1-1 with Al Hilal in its opener.
Madrid defender Raúl Asencio was sent off in the 7th minute at Bank of America Stadium for fouling Pachuca forward Salomón Rondón.
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Ten-man Madrid soon responded with goals from Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler, before Federico Valverde added a third, and Elias Montiel responded for Pachuca with the only shot that got past Thibaut Courtois, who made 10 saves
“It was tough after Asencio was sent off,” Bellingham said in his post-match news conference, after being chosen as the game’s MVP. “He’s a young defender, it happens, there’s no harm in that. It was a test of our character, and a test of our leadership.
“The manager [Alonso] decided to change shape, and we all took that responsibility well. We had to weather the storm, [Pachuca] had a lot of shots. Thibaut was fantastic. It’s a good win, still not perfect, but the coaches’ ideas are amazing, and we want to keep going.”
Courtois was more critical of Asencio, who also gave away a penalty in Madrid’s opening game against Al Hilal.
“Two games, and the same mistake,” Courtois said. “We have to be more intelligent.”
Midfielder Bellingham — who has struggled with a shoulder injury since November 2023, wearing protective strapping — confirmed that he’ll undergo surgery when Madrid’s participation in the tournament is over.
“It’s alright now, I’ve got to the point where the pain isn’t so bad,” Bellingham said. “I’ve got surgery scheduled for a few days after the tournament, after the final. I’m happy about that.
“It’s been a long time coming. I’ve come to the end of my patience with the brace. The doctors and staff have been great, but I’m at the point now where I’m ready to have a free shoulder.”
The result leaves Madrid on four points in Group H, and in a strong position to progress to the round of 16 ahead of Thursday’s game with Salzburg.
Moments before the final whistle in Charlotte, referee Ramon Abatti signalled that FIFA’s anti-racism protocol had been initiated after a clash between Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger and Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral.
“The FIFA protocol was activated. We’ll find out what happened,” Alonso said in his post-match news conference. “Rudiger said [that he’d been insulted] and we believe him. There’s no tolerance for it, it shouldn’t happen.
“[FIFA] are investigating it.”
Speaking in the mixed zone, Cabral denied having used racist language.
“There was nothing racist. I called him ‘chickens–t’ as we say in Argentina, that’s it,” he said.
Pachuca coach Jaime Lozano said he was unaware of the accusation.
“I’ve just found out now,” Lozano said. “We haven’t spoken about it. What I can say is that we’ve never had anything like that with Cabral.”
