Real Madrid claimed a 3-1 win over Pachuca despite finishing the match with 10 men, but the headlines were dominated by a disturbing incident late in the game.
Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has accused Pachuca’s Antonio Cabral of making racist remarks during the heated final moments of the clash.
Anti-racism protocol triggered
The referee was forced to intervene as Rüdiger, visibly shaken, reacted strongly. Speaking post-match, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso confirmed the incident: “Toni told us what happened. He has our full support. There must be an investigation — this is unacceptable.”
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Denial from Cabral, confusion in Pachuca’s camp
Pachuca head coach Jaime Lozano appeared blindsided, saying: “I’ve never heard anything like that from Cabral.”
Cabral has yet to make any public statement.
In a surprising comment, teammate Salomón Rondón dismissed the controversy: “These things happen. It stays on the pitch.”
The case is expected to be investigated by tournament authorities in the coming days. For now, the match result takes a backseat to a matter that continues to stain the sport.
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