Bellingham Likes Alonso's Extraordinary Ideas For Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham is very pleased with Alonso's Xabi approach to Real Madrid (Instagram/@realmdrid).

JAKARTA - Jude Bellingham praised Xabi Alonso's extraordinary ideas after Real Madrid overtook their initial red card to beat Pachuca 3-1 at the 2025 Club World Cup on Monday, June 23, 2025, early morning WIB.

The victory was Alonso's first win since taking over Real Madrid before the 2025 Club World Cup after his team drew 1-1 against Al Hilal in the opening match of Group H.

Los Blancos defender Raul Asencio was expelled in the seventh minute at the Bank of America Stadium for violating Pachuca striker Elbowon Rondon.

Real Madrid, who played with 10 players, immediately responded with goals from Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler, before Federico Valverde added a third goal.

Elias Montiel became the single goalscorer for Pachuca - only one shot made it past Thibaut Courtois, who made 10 saves.

"It's hard after Asencio was expelled. He's a young defender, that's natural, it doesn't hurt. It was a test of our character and our leadership exams."

"Managers (Alonso) decided to change shape. We all take that responsibility well."

"We had to face the storm, (Pachuca) had a lot of shots. Thibaut was fantastic. A good win, still not perfect, but the coach's ideas were incredible. We want to keep going," Bellingham told a news conference after the game.

Unlike Bellingham, Courtois is more critical of Asencio, who also awarded a penalty in Real Madrid's opener against Al Hilal.

"Two games and the same mistakes. We have to be smarter," Courtois said.

Meanwhile, Bellingham - who has been battling shoulder injuries since November 2023, wore protective bandages - confirmed that he would undergo surgery after Real Madrid's participation in the Club World Cup was over.

"Now it's fine. I've come to a point where the pain isn't too severe."

"I was scheduled to undergo surgery a few days after the tournament, after the final. I'm happy about that."

"It's been a long time. I've run out of patience with the buffers. The doctors and staff have been great, but now I'm at a point where I'm ready to have a free shoulder," Bellingham said.

Apart from that, the result against Pachuca made Real Madrid have four points in Group H. They are in a strong position to advance to the round of 16 ahead of the match against Salzburg on Friday, June 27, 2025.