Real Madrid’s Raúl Asencio apologizes after mistakes against PSG
“I wasn’t up to the task,” says young defender after Club World Cup semifinal loss
Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio took to social media on Friday (11) to publicly apologize following his underwhelming performance in the club’s 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinal in the United States.
The 22-year-old academy graduate was directly involved in one of the French side’s goals and shouldered responsibility for the team’s shocking exit from the tournament.
Asencio: “I Wasn’t Up to the Task”
Posting to his Instagram account, Asencio expressed remorse and reflected on his performance.
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“I feel like I wasn’t up to the task in a Club World Cup that demanded the most,” he wrote. “Now it’s time to disconnect and recharge my batteries.”
His comments came amid growing scrutiny from fans and pundits, following one of the heaviest defeats Real Madrid has suffered on the international stage in recent years.
A Breakout Season, Despite Setback
Despite the painful loss, Asencio’s 2024/25 season marked a major milestone in his career. Elevated to the first team after a series of defensive injuries, the young Spaniard made a significant leap.
- Appearances: 46
- Starts: 35
- Assists: 2
- Debut season: 2024/25
His emergence as a starter shows the club’s trust in its youth development program, even amid tough moments.
What’s Next for Asencio and Real Madrid?
While the Club World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, Asencio remains a promising figure in Real Madrid’s defensive rotation. With the summer break now underway, the young center-back is expected to join the squad for preseason training in early August unless a loan move is considered to further his development.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will regroup after the semifinal humiliation and focus on strengthening the squad ahead of the 2025/26 La Liga and Champions League campaigns.
