Real Madrid’s hard-fought 3-1 triumph over Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup was overshadowed by an allegation of racial abuse directed at Antonio Rudiger.
The incident, which occurred in stoppage time, led to a heated confrontation and prompted FIFA to launch an investigation.
The clash unfolded in Charlotte, where Rudiger, visibly furious, reported an alleged racist remark by Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral to referee Ramon Abatti Abel. The official signaled FIFA’s anti-racism protocol by crossing his arms, a gesture introduced in 2024 to flag such incidents.
Real Madrid’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, firmly backed his player, stating, “Toni told us something happened, and we believe him. The FIFA protocol is active, and an investigation is underway. If this occurred, it’s unacceptable, and all measures must be taken. Football has no place for this.”
Cabral, 39, denied the accusation, insisting his words were misinterpreted. “I called him a coward, ‘cagon de mierda’, something we say often in Argentina. It’s not racist,” he told reporters, claiming the phrase was part of a heated exchange after a physical tussle.
Pachuca’s coach, Jaime Lozano, admitted he was unaware of the incident until questioned post-match. “I just learned about this from you. I haven’t spoken to Cabral yet, but I’ll address it. I’ve never heard of such behavior from our players,” he said, emphasizing that any wrongdoing would not be excused.
FIFA has yet to issue an official statement, but the governing body’s three-step protocol, pausing, suspending, or abandoning a match, could come into play pending the investigation’s outcome. Recent posts on X reflect ongoing discussions, with some fans and outlets highlighting Rudiger’s accusation and Cabral’s denial, though no new statements from the clubs, Alonso, or Rudiger have emerged since the match.
On the pitch, Real Madrid showed resilience despite being reduced to 10 men early on. In the seventh minute, Raul Asencio received a straight red card for hauling down Pachuca’s Salomon Rondon, who had broken free behind the defence.
Pachuca capitalized on their numerical advantage, testing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a rapid counter-attack that saw him deny Kenedy and Alan Bautista in quick succession.
Against the odds, Real Madrid struck first. Jude Bellingham, named the match’s MVP, latched onto a precise pass from Fran Garcia and rifled a low left-footed shot into the corner before halftime.
Moments later, a flowing move involving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gonzalo Garcia ended with Arda Guler doubling the lead.
Pachuca fought back after the break, with Rondon narrowly missing a header, but Real Madrid sealed the win in the 70th minute when Federico Valverde converted Brahim Diaz’s cross.
Pachuca grabbed a late consolation through Elias Montiel, whose shot deflected off Aurelien Tchouameni, but it couldn’t prevent their elimination from the tournament, having lost all three matches against European sides.
Real Madrid, under new boss Alonso, celebrated their first Club World Cup win, boosting their chances of topping Group H, though tougher tests lie ahead.
The incident involving Rudiger casts a shadow over an otherwise spirited performance, with the football world now awaiting FIFA’s findings on a matter that underscores the sport’s ongoing battle against racism.
