[Review] Real Madrid s tough victory under the scorching sun. Has Alonso s rules worked?

Real Madrid 3-1 Pachuca

Sports Weekly All-Media Reporter Wu Yifan

After 7 minutes of the game, 10 people responded to the challenge, and conceded the ball in the 80th minute, and finally won 3-1. Real Madrid's Club World Cup journey is dramatic. Bellingham and Guillail each performed outstandingly, and Gonzalo Garcia, who once again served as starting center, delivered a high-scoring answer. Although it was only the second trial, it was vaguely visible that the team was changing.

Charlotte local time at 3 pm, temperature is 33 degrees and humidity is 50%. All 70,000 people at the scene were exposed to the scorching sun, and every thin cloud that accidentally floated by was a gift from heaven. Real Madrid have been complaining about too many late games over the past year, which has affected the team's rest. This time, in order to take care of European audiences, the show lasted for two consecutive afternoons. In this kind of weather, you may be heatstroke if you stand still, and don’t expect players to complete a high-level and high-quality game.

From the perspective of the entire competition, as a giant in the Chinese and North American football world, Pachuca's performance in these two games was really not very good: loose tactics, relaxed attitude, and loose defense. However, in the first 15 minutes against Real Madrid, they used long-term counterattacks to get at least 3 good opportunities. This was originally attributed to the fact that Real Madrid midfielder did not provide the necessary defensive barrier, but the responsibility was left to Raul Asensio alone. He is already prone to getting up, and this kind of sun-stinging weather makes his head even worse. In the 7th minute, he pulled the opponent out of the penalty area and was sent off with a red card as the last defensive player.

The first match against Riyadh Crescent was Asensio who gave his opponent a penalty kick, and Real Madrid only got a draw. Courtois complained unceremoniously to the live camera during the half-time break: "He made the same mistake twice, but he knew he was wrong. And it doesn't matter, we will win back his share." The Belgians not only know how to speak, but also do better. If it weren't for his key saves several times, the situation would be even more difficult once Real Madrid fell behind again. The reality is that at the end of the first half, Real Madrid led 2-0.

Although this is unfair to Raul Asensio, Real Madrid, which has 10 players, is indeed better than in the first game of 11 players. Perhaps only by being in a desperate situation can Real Madrid truly stimulate their fighting spirit. After all, if you lose again in this game and you will be eliminated in the group stage in the end, it will be a joke. In the 35th minute, a refreshing left off attack, Bellingham almost "stealed" Fran Garcia's pass, broke into the penalty area and calmly shot and scored a low shot. His younger brother just scored for Dortmund a few days ago, and he, as his brother, cannot be too far behind. A few minutes later, Gulaire, who inserted from the other side, scored another goal with his right foot, completely stunned Pachuca.

The goals are all talented players, but here is a person who is easily overlooked, Gonzalo Garcia. The first goal was that he retreated deeply to the midfield and passed the heel to Fran Garcia, creating a rapid forward attack; the second goal was that he received a cross from Alexander Arnold at the center position, without shooting or hesitation, and directly made the ball to Guiller beside him. Although he had less than a second to think about it, he made the most correct choice.

A center who is willing to run and can do the ball is indeed conducive to activate teammates in other positions. He can still score goals, and he scored in the first game of New Moon. But the facts are right in front of me, Mbappe will definitely occupy the starting position. Even if Gonzalo uses these games to win the favor of coaches and fans, what will he do next? After all, Enderick was waiting in line.

Alonso kept drinking water and wiping sweat on the sidelines. He was like everyone else on the scene, and he was drying like cooked shrimps, but he still tried to stay focused and calm. Real Madrid's offensive routines in the second half were still adjusted. Brahim Dias, Modric and Sebalos made their debut one after another. Real Madrid's offensive line contracted inward, and finally let Valverde seize the opportunity to lead the forward to score the third goal. The Uruguayan was relieved, and he was feeling guilty about losing a penalty in the last game.

It was not until the 78th minute that Alonso adjusted the defense and Rudiger came on the stage. Chu Ameni retreated before and matched Wyson well. The two of them calmly intercepted the ball and used the ball several times, which was contrasted with the passionate but missed scenes when Rudiger matched Asensio in the past. This time the German debuted, it was indeed unpredictable. Pachuca scored a goal a few minutes later, but he was determined to confront his opponent. The Brazilian referee on duty was also a stubborn person. The audience had already booed and asked him to blow the whistle and end the event. He himself was so shocked that he couldn't open his eyes, but he had to make up for more than 2 minutes.

This seemingly relaxed but actually extremely difficult victory gave Alonso some room to breathe. Mbappe is absent, Rodrigo does not start, and Vinicius becomes a supporting role, but the team is generally very active. Does this confirm Alonso's previous rule of "don't run if you don't run"? Bellingham, the best on the spot, struck while the iron was hot and announced that he would undergo surgery after the end of the Club World Cup to welcome the new season in a better state. This decision reflects his positive attitude. Some people's attitudes are changing, and the team's condition has also improved. It depends on whether the senior management should fully support Alonso and his new strategy.