Real Madrid survived a scare in their FIFA Club World Cup match against Pachuca on Sunday evening as they took a huge step towards qualifying for the knockout rounds. After drawing 1-1 with Al-Hilal in their opening Group H match, Xabi Alonso's side were looking to pick up their first win in this year's competition at the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina.
They got off to a nightmare start, though, as Raul Acensio was given a straight red card just seven minutes into the game. However, despite the numerical disadvantage, Real Madrid's quality told in the end as they were able to overcome their Mexican opponents.
Goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Federico Valverde gave Real Madrid a comfortable three-goal lead with 20 minutes remaining. Pachuca pulled one back with 10 minutes remaining but it proved to only be a consolation goal as the Spanish giants won 3-1.
Trent was playing in his second game for the club
Trent Alexander-Arnold in action vs Pachuca
Trent Alexander-Arnold was named in Real Madrid's starting lineup for the second straight game since his summer move from Liverpool. After drawing criticism for his performance on his debut, Trent would have wanted to put in a better display against the Mexican side.
He went on to play 78 minutes before making way for Antonio Rudiger. His highlights from the match have emerged and you can view them below:
The Spanish media have now made their feelings known about the 26-year-old's performance. Marca called the Englishman 'impressive' and said he 'showed Real Madrid why they signed him from Liverpool'.
They continued: "Trent had contributed significantly by displaying his trademark ability to drift centrally from full-back, he delivered a sharp ball across to Garcia, showing what Alonso should expect when he's up to speed in the system.
"The Englishman, criticised for a nervy debut against Al-Hilal, responded with composure, positional intelligence, and sharp ball distribution. When he was substituted in the 78th minute, the crowd acknowledged his performance with applause."
Trent Alexander-Arnold's stats in Real Madrid vs Pachuca
Other outlets in Spain weren't as complimentary, though. Football Espana gave him a rating of 6/10, writing: "A slight improvement from his Al Hilal debut but the former Liverpool man still looks like a work in progress."
While Mundo Deportivo described his performance as 'grey', adding: "He participated in the second goal, but the truth is that he did little else in the game."
Real Madrid sit top of Group H having picked up four points from their opening two matches. They need at least a point in their final group game against RB Salzburg to book their place in the knockout rounds of the competition.
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