Xabi Alonso’s men secured their first victory of the tournament with a 3-1 win, thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Federico Valverde, though the match in Charlotte was anything but routine. ..Continue Reading
The drama began just seven minutes in when Raul Asencio received a straight red card for halting a clear scoring chance.
That early dismissal set a new record for the quickest red card in any intercontinental club competition, surpassing the previous mark set by Matheus Pereira of Al-Hilal in 2022.
At the break, Courtois voiced his frustration over the incident, expressing disappointment with the defender’s costly mistake.
Speaking to DAZN, he said: “It’s two games and the same mistake twice, which may be very minor, but we have to be smarter and not make that mistake.”
Courtois, who made 10 saves to steer Madrid to victory, added: “He knows it, and there’s no problem. We’re going to fight for him and win without him, and when he comes back, we’ll keep winning.”
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso also offered a firm response to Asencio’s red.
“I will talk with Raul Asencio, but for sure, he needs to learn from these type of experiences,” Alonso said after the full-time whistle. “Asencio shouldn’t have made that mistake. It’s important that he knows that.”
The Spaniard added: “Early in the game you need to take chances, but not make a foul for a red card. He’s still young and this is an experience to think about for the future.”
In the latter moments of the match, referee Ramon Abatti Abel activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol following a complaint from Antonio Rudiger, who reported being subjected to racist abuse.
The incident stemmed from a confrontation between Rudiger and Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral, after the German defender claimed he was fouled by the veteran Argentine.
Rudiger immediately approached the referee, prompting Abatti Abel to cross his arms—a gesture that officially initiates the anti-racism procedure.
While it remains uncertain whether the abuse came from a player or someone in the stands, Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso confirmed post-match that FIFA has opened an investigation into the allegation.
Asked if Rudiger had been the victim of racism in the game, Alonso told a press conference: “That’s what Rüdiger said, and we believe him. It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations.”
Alonso added: “FIFA now is investigating. That’s all I can say.”
