What should have been a night of celebration for Real Madrid ended up being dominated by controversy.
While they secured a 3-1 win over Mexican side Pachuca in their second Group H match at the FIFA Club World Cup, the game took a troubling turn in stoppage time when defender Antonio Rudiger accused an opponent of racial abuse.
Rudiger Alleges Racial Abuse During Heated Moments
In the dying minutes of the match in Charlotte, tempers flared.
Antonio Rudiger was seen angrily approaching Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti Abel after an exchange with Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral.
According to multiple sources in the stadium, Rudiger claimed Cabral used a highly offensive Spanish racial slur, “negro de mierda,” which roughly translates to “fing n**.”
Cabral, however, offered a different version.
He denied using racist language and instead said he called Rudiger a “cagón de mierda” — a vulgar Spanish phrase meaning “f***ing coward.”
Despite the dispute, the referee responded to the seriousness of the situation by crossing his arms — a signal introduced by FIFA as part of its updated anti-racism protocol.
FIFA’s New Anti-Racism Measures Triggered
The referee’s crossed-arms gesture marked the first stage of FIFA’s three-step anti-discrimination response system, rolled out in 2024.
This initial action doesn’t immediately halt a match, but it alerts all officials and competition organizers that a racist incident has been reported.
If similar behavior continues or escalates, referees now have the authority to pause or even abandon matches entirely.
While no further steps were taken on the night, this incident is now under official review.
Xabi Alonso and Madrid Back Rudiger
After the match, Madrid boss Xabi Alonso confirmed that Rudiger reported being racially insulted.
“That’s what Rudiger said, and we believe him,” Alonso told reporters.
“This kind of thing is simply unacceptable. FIFA is looking into it now.”
The situation took the spotlight away from Alonso’s milestone — his first win as Real Madrid manager after a 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in their tournament opener.
Real Madrid Dig Deep to Secure the Win
Madrid’s win didn’t come easy. They were forced to play nearly the entire match with 10 men after Raul Asencio was sent off just seven minutes in for bringing down Salomon Rondon, who was clear on goal.
The early red card meant Real had to endure long spells under pressure, with Pachuca racking up 25 shots compared to Madrid’s eight.
But Madrid made their chances count. Jude Bellingham calmly slotted home the opener after breaking through Pachuca’s back line.
Arda Guler and Federico Valverde followed up with clinical finishes in the second half. Pachuca managed a consolation goal through Elias Montiel, whose effort took a deflection and beat Thibaut Courtois.
Courtois Keeps Madrid Ahead with Stellar Performance
While Madrid were outplayed in many statistical areas, they had Thibaut Courtois to thank for maintaining control.
The Belgian goalkeeper pulled off ten saves, including a brilliant double block from Rondon and Alan Bautista, plus another late stop from Carlos Sanchez.
His heroics between the sticks ensured Madrid could hold onto their lead despite the numerical disadvantage.
What Comes Next for Madrid and Pachuca?
Madrid now sit in a strong position to advance to the last 16 and will book their spot with a win over Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday.
That match could also mark the return of Kylian Mbappe, who missed the Pachuca clash due to a short illness.
As for Pachuca, their journey in the tournament is over.
They’ve been eliminated from Group H and will face Al-Hilal in their final fixture, hoping to salvage some pride before heading home.
Bigger Than Football: The Aftermath of the Incident
While the win was vital for Real Madrid’s campaign, the allegations of racial abuse are now the dominant narrative.
It’s yet another reminder that, even on football’s biggest stages, the fight against racism is far from over.
All eyes will be on FIFA’s investigation in the coming days — and on how the sport responds to ensure this isn’t brushed under the rug.