A 3-1 win over Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ early on June 23 gave Xabi Alonso a smooth start to his tenure as Real Madrid manager, but a difficult performance in the scorching North Carolina sun raised more questions than answers.
Jude Bellingham scored in Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Pachuca.
In the 28th minute, in a moment that reflected Real Madrid’s pressure, Jude Bellingham unleashed his fury on Arda Guler after losing possession. It wasn’t just a reprimand, but the manifestation of a disorganized team: undermanned, outnumbered by Pachuca, and seemingly out of control.
Positive impressions
Pachuca, which finished eighth in the Mexican league last season, suddenly became the favorite, with Raúl Asencio receiving an early red card for a foul on Salomón Rondón. Goalkeeper Courtois kept making saves, Real Madrid’s defense was disorganized, and the offensive lines lacked cohesion. Alonso must have asked himself: Is this still the team that once reached the top of Europe?
But as if they were champions, Real Madrid turned the game around in an instant. After the break, Bellingham, who had gone from impulsive to the opener, coordinated smoothly with Fran García and then finished with a skillful left foot.
Not long after, it was Arda Guler’s turn to repay the faith with a goal that made it 2-0, following a precise cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a delicate pass from Gonzalo García.
The highlight of the match wasn’t the score, but two names: Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler. One was a leader, the other a budding talent.
Bellingham roared, screamed, and scored again. Guler received a reprimand, but responded calmly with a precise shot. For Alonso, these clashes weren’t a threat, but an opportunity. A chance to understand who was the leader, who needed protection, who would dictate the game.
Arda Guler also shone on the day Real Madrid secured their first victory in the United States.
Xabi Alonso knows that Real Madrid isn’t a team of mediocre players. He needs to learn to live with the egos of Bellingham, Mbappé, Vinicius, and so on, and find a common rhythm for this symphony orchestra full of personalities.
Alonso had described Guler as a player who “plays better the more he touches the ball.” And it was true. But more importantly, Alonso will have to ensure Guler has enough space to develop without being held back by tantrums like Bellingham’s.
Another positive aspect of the victory over Pachuca was the excellent form of Trent Alexander-Arnold. After a shaky debut against Al-Hilal, the English defender played with great confidence, frequently cutting through the center, dictating the pace of the game, and making dangerous passes. His assist for Guler was the clearest example. When he was substituted in the 78th minute, the applause from the packed Madrid stands was a well-deserved reward.
Three points, one win, and a lot of worries
Despite winning 3-1, Real Madrid allowed Pachuca 25 shots, 11 of them on target. Had Courtois not been in goal, the match could have taken a completely different turn. The fact that the opponent reduced the score in the 80th minute was a clear warning about the Whites’ concentration and physical condition.
It’s also worth remembering that this is Bellingham’s 61st game of the 2024/25 season, an incredible tally. Other key players like Mbappé, Camavinga, Militão, and Mendy have yet to return. This adventure is just beginning, but Alonso is already feeling the physical limitations of his stars.
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