By Mohamed Islam Bouteraa

Wow. Just seven minutes in, and the script looked torn up for Real Madrid. Defender Raúl Asencio, caught desperately chasing Salomón Rondón's breakaway, saw red. Down to ten men for virtually the entire match against a fired-up Pachuca? This wasn't in the plan. But what unfolded next was a masterclass in resilience, composure, and clinical finishing from the Spanish giants.

Facing the Storm:

The early dismissal sent shockwaves through the Bank of America Stadium. Pachuca, sensing blood, surged forward. Thibaut Courtois became an instant hero, pulling off crucial saves – first denying Vinicius Jr. after a rare Madrid error, then standing tall against a quick Pachuca double-attack. The pressure was immense, the noise deafening. "Honestly, after the red, you just hold your breath," you could imagine a Madrid fan gasping. "Courtois kept us alive."

Against the Odds, They Lead:

Then, against the relentless Mexican pressure, Madrid showed why they're champions. In the 35th minute, calm descended. Fran García spotted Jude Bellingham darting into the box. One touch, a smooth left-footed finish curling into the bottom corner – 1-0 Madrid! The ten men erupted. 

Just before halftime, they struck again. A beautiful, sweeping move involving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gonzalo García ended with young Arda Güler coolly slotting home. 2-0! Unbelievable scenes. "Where did that come from?" Pachuca fans must have wondered, stunned by the turnaround.

Sealing the Deal:

Pachuca threw everything forward after the break. A powerful Federico Pereira header whistled agonizingly wide – a huge let-off for Madrid. But Los Blancos weren't just hanging on. In the 70th minute, they delivered the knockout blow. Brahim Díaz whipped in a teasing cross, and Federico Valverde arrived like a train to poke it home. 3-0. Game over. Relief, joy, and sheer admiration washed over the Madrid faithful. A late consolation goal by Elías Montiel, taking a cruel deflection off Aurélien Tchouaméni (3-1), couldn't dampen the spirits.

What This Means:

This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Under the new guidance of Xabi Alonso, Madrid showed incredible heart and tactical discipline. They now sit pretty atop Group H with 4 points, needing just a result against Salzburg to secure their knockout spot. For Pachuca, the dream ends here. Despite moments of promise and passionate effort, three losses mean their Club World Cup journey is over.

The Final Whistle Thoughts:

"Playing over 80 minutes with ten men and winning 3-1? That's pure Madridismo," a relieved supporter might say. 

The young stars – Bellingham, Güler, Valverde – stepped up when it mattered most. Courtois was a rock. 

This victory was forged in adversity, a testament to the unyielding spirit coursing through Real Madrid. 

They didn't just overcome Pachuca; they conquered doubt itself. On to Salzburg!