Bellingham Reacts After Asensio’s Red Card in Real Madrid’s 3-1 Victory Over Pachuca
Real Madrid earned a 3-1 win against Pachuca in the Club World Cup, but the match came with its challenges. Jude Bellingham scored an impressive opening goal, yet the game became complicated when Raúl Asensio received a red card, leaving Madrid to play with ten men.
After the game, Bellingham praised the team’s determination under difficult circumstances.
“The red card put us under pressure, but we kept our composure,” he said. “Courtois was outstanding — he made a huge difference tonight.”
Courtois Sets New Record
Thibaut Courtois was the standout performer, making a record-breaking 10 saves — the highest in a single Club World Cup match.
“We’d rather Courtois didn’t have to work so hard,” Bellingham joked. “But having the best goalkeeper in the world behind us boosts our confidence. Asensio slipped up, but he’s young — mistakes happen and that’s how you learn.”
Support for Coach Xabi Alonso
Bellingham also spoke highly of manager Xabi Alonso, commending his tactical clarity and the team’s positive response to adversity.
“Xabi is a world-class coach. I talk to him often — his philosophy is clear, and we’re all embracing it.”
Upcoming Shoulder Surgery
Despite his strong performances, Bellingham revealed he will undergo shoulder surgery after the tournament due to an ongoing issue.
“The pain is manageable now, but the sling has made playing uncomfortable. I’ve lost a lot of weight from all the exertion,” he said. “The medical staff has been amazing, but I’ve decided to fix it after the tournament. I’m ready to feel like myself again.”
For now, his focus remains on helping Real Madrid capture Club World Cup success before turning attention to his recovery.
