
Huijsen already key for Real Madrid
Follow live reaction after Real Madrid got their first win of the tournament having played most of the game with 10 men Getty Images
All looking very easy for Madrid now, as Valverde knocks in Brahim's cross. Move was again started by an excellent 60-yard ball out from the back by Huijsen for Vini to chase.
The young centre-backs's distribution really is excellent, and already seems quite key for Alonso's new-look team. Getty Images
72' Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca
It was another clinical attack from Real Madrid. A lovely pass from Dean Huijsen whipped down the left channel for Vinicius Junior, who was running beyond his marker but from his own half, hence no offside.
He latched onto it, collected the ball, played it inside to Valverde. Two on two. Passed to Brahim Diaz, and then the Uruguayan set off into the box as Pachuca defenders tried to recover.
A superb left-footed chipped pass, Valverde sprinted forwards, extended his leg and flicked it in on the volley past a helpless Carlos Moreno in goal.
That will be that! Getty Images
70' Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca
There is a goal, but it's not for Pachuca!
Fede Valverde with it! Getty Images
69' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
Pachuca surely need a goal soon if they are to take anything from this match... Getty Images
That was class from Madrid to play out of their own half when they were pinned back into a corner near Thibaut Courtois' penalty area.
Strong work from Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham with Modric doing what he always does.
If Madrid fans wanted olé Pachuca, that was their opportunity.
63' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
Almost a carbon copy of a Pachuca chance a few minutes ago!
John Kennedy, who should have started based on what he has shown since coming on, picks up the ball left of centre outside the penalty area and fires a curling effort on goal towards the bottom-right corner.
Good power and placement. Good isn't good enough when Thibaut Courtois is the man between the sticks though!
Madrid still struggling just to hold the ball and calm the game down.
Another double change from Alonso, with Modric and Ceballos introduced to (hopefully, for them) do just that.
Off go Guler and Bellingham, both the goalscorers. The coach definitely not afraid to make decisions or changes. Getty Images
61' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
Real Madrid take off Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler, on come Luka Modric, who gets a fine reception, and Dani Ceballos.
Pachuca with two changes of their own, attacking midfielder Javier Eduardo Lopez and defender Carlos Adrian Sanchez Nava on for Kenedy, which will see Gonzalez push forward to the wing I think, and right-back Luis Rodriguez respectively.
60' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
On the hour mark, we see some replays of those Courtois saves, first from Gonzalez's mishit cross, which was actually better than I initially gave it credit for. A fantastic glove on it to divert it over.
Then a plunging stop low to his left to spurn John Kennedy, who has been excellent and lively since coming on. Getty Images
58' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
Pachuca have now had 16 shots to their opponent's seven, and six shots on target to Real Madrid's two.
Madrid have two goals. Pachuca none.
Those are the margins.
56' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
Gonzalez with a cross-shot from the left, Courtois parries it over and it's a Pachuca corner.
Palavecino lays it back, crossed into the back post, and a Pachuca head nodded it back across goal, before Rondon slid in to push it narrowly wide!
The offside flag was up though. Another shot on target as Rondon swivels and shoots, straight at Courtois.
Pachuca putting the pressure on!
55' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
Vinicius Junior with an expression of disgruntlement as he accuses teenage midfielder Elias Montiel of a foul.
A bit of argy-bargy and finger-pointing.
We move on. Getty Images
53' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
Real Madrid look better with 10 men than they did with 11! In fact, they appear as if they are the side with an extra player.
They're just pinging the ball around with ease, casually and slightly mockingly waiting static until being closed down before popping it off to a team-mate.
Pachuca are getting frustrated and flying into a few tackles.
50' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
Madrid centre-half Dean Huijsen has been seriously impressive.
He has been calm and composed on the ball, while stepping in aggressively at times to win the ball too.
Get yourself a defender that can do both. Getty Images
Xabi Alonso's change at the break sees Gonzalo Garcia off and Brahim Diaz on.
A bit harsh on the young centre-forward, who was involved in both Madrid's goals.
But it means a more clear 4-4-1 shape now for the 10 men, with Brahim on left of midfield, and Vini Jr up top on his own.
46' Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
Changes for both sides!
Pachuca take off midfielders Alan Bautista and the quiet Alexei Dominguez Figueroa and bring on club captain, 39-year-old centre-half Gustavo Cabral, and striker John Kennedy.
Madrid take off striker Gonzalo Garcia and bring on attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz in his place. Getty Images
Back into the action here in Charlotte! Getty Images
Madrid keeper Courtois spoke to DAZN at the break, about Asencio's sending off.
💬 'It's twice in two games now, the same mistake. It might have been only slight contact but he has to be a bit more intelligent. But he knows that. We are going to battle for him and win without him. And then when he returns, to win then too.' Getty Images
Real Madrid fans have been calling to see more of talented youngster Arda Guler and you can see why.
Given a central role by Xabi Alonso today, he transitioned well into a slightly deeper area after the red card but did not let that limit his creative involvement.
Here's the moment he made it 2-0 after a nice link-up with Trent.
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