Real Madrid got their first win of the Xabi Alonso era as they beat the Mexican side Pachuca in their second game in the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday.
The Merengues had started the competition with a match against the Saudi side Al-Hilal, but could muster only a draw in a lacklustre display.
But in the second game, Los Blancos showed why they are one of the favorites to win the competition, as they put in a commendable performance, despite being a man down following the 7th minute.
As time passes, the impact of the new coach on the team is becoming more pronounced, and there is every reason to hope that Real Madrid’s performances will improve even further in the coming matches.
Kylian Mbappe increases intensity in training
Another reason to hope for this is the fact that their superstar forward, Kylian Mbappe, will also be able to play the upcoming games.
As Diario AS has reported, the Frenchman is making progress in his recovery from the effects of a fever that has kept him unable to participate in the first two games of the competition.
On Monday, the French star increased his intensity while training in the gym. He had been unable to do any kind of aerobic exercise in the build-up to the game against Pachuca.
Can feature in Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg
As things stand, Kylian Mbappe still remains a doubt for the upcoming game against RB Salzburg. He can play some minutes, especially if qualification to the Round of 16 has already been secured by the Merengues.
But more than the team’s fate, his participation will depend on Mbappe’s own sensations. For now, everything indicates that Xabi Alonso will start the last group stage game with Gonzalo Garcia as his centre-forward, and with the way he has performed up to now, Real Madrid is not expected to miss Kylian Mbappe too much.
