Rüdiger Alleges Racial Abuse in Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Win Over Pachuca

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger was allegedly subjected to racial abuse during the club’s 3-1 Club World Cup victory over Mexican side Pachuca on Sunday, according to manager Xabi Alonso.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Alonso confirmed a complaint had been lodged following an incident late in the match, held in Charlotte. The German international had clashed with Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral in stoppage time, though it remains unclear whether the abuse came from a player or a spectator.

“That’s what Rüdiger said, and we believe him,” Alonso affirmed. “It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That’s all I can say.”

While FIFA has yet to officially comment, referee Ramon Abatti was seen making the anti-racism protocol gesture—crossing his arms across his chest—indicating the incident was formally registered.

Despite an early setback with Raul Asencio receiving a red card in the seventh minute for fouling Salomon Rondon, Real Madrid responded strongly. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 35th minute, followed by a goal from Arda Güler, and a volley from Federico Valverde sealed the win before Elias Montiel scored a late consolation for Pachuca via a deflection.

The result marked Real’s first win in the tournament and pushed them to four points in Group H, level with Red Bull Salzburg, who had earlier played out a goalless draw against Al Hilal in Washington, DC.

With Al Hilal trailing by just two points, the group remains finely balanced ahead of Real Madrid’s decisive final group match against Salzburg on Thursday night (2am Friday UK time).