Asencio speaks out after failing in the Club World Cup with Real Madrid
Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio has publicly addressed the backlash following his underwhelming performances in the first two rounds of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. After a costly penalty and a red card, the young defender broke his silence on social media, vowing to bounce back and win back the fans’ trust.
Two Mistakes, Two Games: The Harsh Start for Asencio
The 22-year-old was at the center of controversy after:
- Conceding a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal
- Getting sent off just six minutes into the match against Pachuca for a reckless foul on Salomón Rondón
Despite Asencio’s early dismissal, Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-1, thanks to a resilient second-half performance.
Asencio Responds to Critics
On Tuesday, Asencio posted a message on his official account:
“This is not the start of the competition I expected, but I have no doubt that I’ll turn this around. It’s time to work even harder and continue growing. Thank you for the support.”
The statement comes after a wave of criticism from fans and analysts, as well as public comments from his own teammates.
Courtois Calls for Maturity
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke out after the Pachuca match, urging his teammate to be more composed on the pitch:
“Two matches, two big mistakes. We have to be more intelligent. He knows that, and we move forward as a team.”
Courtois’ comments underline the growing concern over Madrid’s defensive consistency heading into the knockout phase.
Xabi Alonso Faces Defensive Dilemma
With Asencio suspended for Thursday’s crucial match against RB Salzburg (10 PM Brasília time), coach Xabi Alonso is assessing his options.
Possible replacements:
- Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was improvised as a center-back during the Pachuca game
- Antonio Rüdiger, recently recovered from injury, returned for 15 minutes and may now start
The match will take place in Philadelphia, with both Real Madrid and Al-Hilal battling for top spot in the group.
Group Standings: Real Madrid Still at Risk
- A draw vs. Salzburg is enough for Madrid to finish 1st in the group
- A loss, combined with an Al-Hilal win over Pachuca, could eliminate the Spanish giants
If they qualify, Real Madrid will face the runner-up from Group G, which will be decided between Manchester City and Juventus.
