Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Pachuca, Real Madrid secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Liga MX side Pachuca in their FIFA Club World Cup Group H clash at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, despite playing with 10 men for over 80 minutes. The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca highlight standout performances from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Federico Valverde, who scored the goals, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who redeemed himself with a key assist. This win, Xabi Alonso’s first as Real Madrid manager, all but secured their place in the Round of 16, rebounding from a lackluster 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal.
Despite an early red card to Raul Asencio, Los Blancos showcased resilience, with Thibaut Courtois’ heroics in goal and a clinical midfield display. However, the match was marred by a late controversy involving an alleged racial abuse incident between Antonio Rüdiger and Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral.
Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Pachuca: Bellingham and Guler Shine in Club World Cup Win
The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca reflect a team that overcame adversity to deliver a statement win. The match began disastrously when Raul Asencio was sent off in the seventh minute for a reckless foul on Salomon Rondon, leaving Real Madrid a man down (web:0, web:8). Pachuca capitalized on their numerical advantage, racking up 25 shots, 10 on target, but Courtois’ 10 saves kept them at bay (web:15, post:4). Despite the pressure, Real Madrid struck first in the 35th minute through Bellingham’s clinical left-footed finish, assisted by Fran Garcia after Gonzalo Garcia’s flick (web:18).
Arda Guler doubled the lead in the 43rd minute, slotting home after a slick move involving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gonzalo Garcia (web:0). Federico Valverde sealed the win in the 70th minute with a toe-poke off Brahim Diaz’s chipped pass, before Elias Montiel’s deflected strike in the 80th minute gave Pachuca a consolation (web:9, web:24). The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca underscore their ruthlessness, converting three of eight shots on target compared to Pachuca’s inefficiency (web:15).
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Key Stats: Real Madrid had 39% possession, 8 shots (3 on target) vs. Pachuca’s 25 (10 on target). Attendance: 70,248 (post:1, post:7).
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Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina (web:5).
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Conditions: Hot and sunny, 33°C, with a severe heat warning (web:18).
Goalkeeper & Defense: Courtois Shines, Asencio Falters
The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca for the defensive unit highlight both brilliance and blunders amidst the early setback.
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Thibaut Courtois (8/10): A brick wall, making 10 saves, including a crucial double-stop on Rondon and Alan Bautista. Couldn’t prevent Montiel’s deflected goal but kept Madrid in the game early (web:8, web:15).
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Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10): A marked improvement from his shaky Al-Hilal debut. Provided a key pass for Guler’s goal and showed composure with 87% pass accuracy, though John Kennedy troubled him late (web:10, web:12). X posts praised his attacking output, with @Phetru noting his “class” (post:4).
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Raul Asencio (3/10): A nightmare outing. His seventh-minute red card for hauling down Rondon was a “clumsy error” that put Real under pressure. A learning moment for the 21-year-old (web:14, web:12).
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Dean Huijsen (8/10): Stepped up after Asencio’s exit, winning duels against Rondon and delivering a pinpoint through-ball to Vinicius Jr. for the third goal. Madrid’s best defender (web:10, web:12).
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Fran Garcia (7/10): Stretched by Pachuca’s wingers but assisted Bellingham’s opener with a smart pass. His energy was vital on the left (web:18, web:8).
Midfield: Bellingham and Valverde Lead the Charge
The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca for the midfield showcase a dynamic unit that turned the tide despite the numerical disadvantage.
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Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10): Shifted to center-back after Asencio’s red card, showing resilience. A risky giveaway nearly cost a goal, but he stabilized the defense in the second half (web:10, web:14).
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Jude Bellingham (8.5/10): Player of the Match. Scored a clinical left-footed opener, his 15th goal of 2024-25, and set the tempo with relentless pressing. Created two chances despite occasional over-dribbling (web:8, web:15). @ElijahKyama_ hailed his “trademark” finish (post:1).
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Federico Valverde (8/10): Covered 12.3 km, the most on the pitch, and scored the third goal with a deft finish off Diaz’s assist. Redeemed his Al-Hilal penalty miss, earning praise from @alsyafi for his “clinical” display (web:8, post:6).
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Arda Guler (7.5/10): Deployed deeper, the 20-year-old shone with a composed finish for the second goal and intelligent movement. His 10th Real Madrid goal broke Vinicius Jr.’s record for the youngest to reach that mark (web:10, web:14). Guler told The Athletic, “Very good pass from Trent, very good me going in!” (web:10).
Attack: Gonzalo and Vinicius Stretch Defenses
The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca for the forwards reflect their efficiency despite limited chances.
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Gonzalo Garcia (7/10): Pivotal in both first-half goals, flicking to Fran Garcia for Bellingham’s strike and laying off for Guler’s. Held the ball well as a Mbappé stand-in (web:8, web:12).
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Vinicius Jr. (6.5/10): Completed four dribbles, the match’s highest, but his final product was lacking. A rainbow flick attempt drew criticism on X, with @havehopehut noting it “let him down” (web:8, post:5). Subbed off late with an ice pack on his neck (web:15).
Substitutes and Manager: Alonso’s Tactical Acumen
The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca for substitutes and Xabi Alonso highlight strategic adjustments that secured the win.
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Brahim Diaz (7/10): Lively cameo, assisting Valverde’s goal with a chipped pass. His twisting runs troubled Pachuca (web:8, web:24).
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Luka Modrić (6/10): Brought calm in the final 30 minutes, completing 95% of his passes (web:8).
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Dani Ceballos (6/10): Limited impact after replacing Bellingham but maintained possession well (web:8).
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Antonio Rüdiger (N/A): Returned from a knee operation, replacing Alexander-Arnold at the 78th minute. Involved in a stoppage-time altercation with Gustavo Cabral, alleging racial abuse, which sparked controversy (web:10).
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Victor Munoz (N/A): Minimal involvement after replacing Vinicius Jr. late (web:8).
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Xabi Alonso (7/10): Navigated the early red card with a back-three setup, ensuring control. His rotations, including starting Guler over Rodrygo, paid off. Despite defensive concerns, a strong first win (web:9, web:21).
Controversy: Rüdiger’s Allegation
The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca were overshadowed by a stoppage-time incident where Antonio Rüdiger alleged racial abuse by Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral (web:10). Xabi Alonso confirmed FIFA’s protocol was activated, stating, “Toni has told us something… it is unacceptable” (web:14). Pachuca’s manager, Jamie Lozano, defended Cabral, saying, “I can put my hands in fire for him” (web:8). The incident, involving a tussle in the box, is under investigation, casting a shadow over an otherwise triumphant night (web:10).
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca set the stage for their final Group H match against RB Salzburg on June 27, where a win or draw will secure Round of 16 qualification (web:15). With Asencio suspended and Kylian Mbappé potentially returning from illness, Alonso faces lineup decisions (web:23). Pachuca, eliminated with zero points, rue their missed chances (web:9).
X reactions celebrated Real’s resilience, with @Dr_Ikay sharing highlights and @bbkigalifm noting Courtois’ “wall” performance (post:7, post:2). The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca reflect a team finding its rhythm under Alonso, poised for a deep tournament run.
Conclusion: A Statement Win for Alonso’s Era
The Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca showcase a squad that rose above adversity, with Bellingham, Guler, and Valverde delivering in a high-stakes match. Courtois’ saves and Alexander-Arnold’s redemption highlighted their depth, though Asencio’s red card and the Rüdiger controversy exposed areas for growth. As Alonso’s tenure begins, this 3-1 win signals Real Madrid’s intent to dominate the Club World Cup. What are your thoughts on the Real Madrid player ratings vs Pachuca? Share below!
QUÉ BARBARIDAD DE JUGADA, Y QUE GOLAZO DE VALVERDE 😍😍🥰
EL MADRID DE XABI ALONSO COMIENZA A GUSTAR#RealMadrid #HalaMadrid
pic.twitter.com/dKHIAcEaT6— Rosa Real Madrid 🌹🤍🇻🇪 (@rosamariluz) June 22, 2025
FAQs: Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Pachuca
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Why was Real Madrid down to 10 men?
Raul Asencio was sent off in the seventh minute for a last-man foul on Salomon Rondon, leaving Real short-handed (web:0, web:15). -
Who scored for Real Madrid against Pachuca?
Jude Bellingham (35th minute), Arda Guler (43rd minute), and Federico Valverde (70th minute) scored, with Elias Montiel netting Pachuca’s consolation (web:18, post:2). -
How did Trent Alexander-Arnold perform?
Rated 7/10, he provided a key pass for Guler’s goal but struggled defensively against John Kennedy in the second half (web:8, web:10). -
Why didn’t Kylian Mbappé play?
Mbappé missed the match due to gastrointestinal discomfort, also absent against Al-Hilal (web:23). -
What was the Rüdiger-Cabral controversy?
Rüdiger alleged racial abuse by Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral in stoppage time, prompting a FIFA investigation
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