Disgraceful Record: Real Madrid's Asensio Sent Off After Costly Errors in Consecutive Matches, Courtois Lashes Out

Despite a 3-1 victory over Pachuca in the Club World Cup group stage, the spotlight fell on 22-year-old defender Raúl Asensio. Just days after conceding a penalty that led to a draw against Al Hilal, Asensio made another blunder—getting sent off in just the 7th minute after a reckless foul on Salomón Rondón.

According to statistics, Asensio is the first Real Madrid player to be red-carded within the first 10 minutes of an official match since Militão in 2021, and the earliest dismissal in any intercontinental competition for the club since 1960. He is also the first European player since 2010 to both concede a penalty and receive a red card in the same Club World Cup.

His actions forced Real to play almost the entire match with ten men, heavily taxing the rest of the squad. After the game, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois voiced his frustration, saying: "Two games, two identical mistakes! We had to win this match for him."

Courtois made 10 saves from 25 shots faced, playing a critical role in preserving the win—while Asensio’s future at the club may now be in jeopardy.