English midfielder Jude Bellingham came to the rescue for a disoriented Real Madrid in their second Group H match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup—a game that started in the worst possible way for Los Blancos after Raúl Asencio was sent off just seven minutes into the match.
With Madrid down to ten men, Xabi Alonso’s side looked out of sorts and struggled to find their rhythm. Meanwhile, Pachuca pressed aggressively, sensing an opportunity to capitalize on the early red card, and forced Thibaut Courtois into action multiple times.
But just when Madrid needed a hero the most, Bellingham stepped up. In the 35th minute, during a quick transition, the Spanish giants pieced together a fluid passing move. Fran García surged down the left flank and delivered a low ball into the box, finding Bellingham arriving in stride.
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The former Dortmund star controlled it brilliantly and rifled a left-footed shot across the goal, tucking it perfectly inside the far post beyond goalkeeper Carlos Moreno, giving Madrid a 1–0 lead against the run of play.
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