Real Madrid's Win Overshadowed by Alleged Racist Incident Involving Antonio Rüdiger

Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Pachuca in the Club World Cup turned tense at the final whistle after defender Antonio Rüdiger reported being the target of a racist remark.

After the match, Madrid manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that Rüdiger had raised concerns over a racist incident during the closing moments. “That’s what Rüdiger said, and we believe him,” Alonso stated in the post-match press conference. “It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA is now investigating. That’s all I can say.” The nature of the alleged abuse—whether it came from the stands or from an opposing player—was not immediately clear. However, tensions flared late in stoppage time when referee Ramon Abatti made the crossed-arms gesture signaling the activation of FIFA’s anti-racism protocol after a heated exchange between players. 

Rüdiger, clearly furious, confronted Pachuca defender Gustavo Cabral after the final whistle and discussed the incident with the referee. Cabral, however, denied any racist intent. Speaking after the match, the 39-year-old Argentine said Rüdiger had misunderstood what he said. “I called him a coward,” Cabral explained. “The referee made the racism sign, but I was telling him the same thing the whole time — ‘coward’. The phrase I used might have sounded like something else, but it wasn’t racist.” 

Pachuca coach Jaime Lozano said he was caught off guard by the accusation. “I just found out from you,” he told reporters. “We didn’t talk about it in the dressing room. I haven’t spoken to Cabral about this, so I can’t explain more. It cannot be justified at all, but I’ll talk to him. I’ve known him for a little while and I’ve never heard of anything like that from Pachuca players. I can’t defend my captain without knowing what was said.” 

The controversy came at the end of a high-tempo Group H clash played in punishing heat in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite going down to 10 men after Raúl Asencio’s red card, Real Madrid took control in the first half through goals from Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler. Federico Valverde added a third in the 70th minute with a sharp sliding volley. 

Elías Montiel pulled one back for Pachuca with a deflected shot in the 80th minute, but it was little more than a consolation. Thibaut Courtois had a busy night in goal, making 10 saves to keep Madrid’s lead intact. 

With the win, Alonso secured his first victory in charge of Madrid and kept their hopes alive in the tournament after a 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in their opening game. A win or draw against Salzburg on Thursday in Philadelphia would be enough for Madrid to book a spot in the last 16. Still, the result was clearly overshadowed by the post-match tension, and FIFA’s investigation will now take center stage. 

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