Amid the Club World Cup, Raúl Asencio is going through one of the toughest moments since joining the Real Madrid first team. After conceding a penalty in the debut against Al Hilal and being sent off early in the match against Pachuca, the defender has faced criticism both inside and outside the club. However, the young player is not giving up and is focusing on hard work and self-reflection to regain his best form.

“This isn’t the start to the tournament I dreamed of, but I have no doubt I will turn this situation around. It’s time to work even harder to keep growing,” Asencio wrote on his official Instagram account, posting a serious photo wearing the Madrid jersey.

Mistakes and support: the tough road for a newcomer in Xabi Alonso’s Madrid

Asencio started in the first two matches under Xabi Alonso as the new coach of the White team. In his debut, a foul inside the box gave Al Hilal the chance to reduce the score in a game Madrid was dominating. In the second match, just seven minutes after kickoff, the defender was sent off for fouling Salomón Rondón as the last man.

The incident caused frustration on the bench, and Xabi Alonso did not hesitate to publicly address the young defender: “There are decisions that must be better measured at this level. Sometimes trusting your goalkeeper is also part of the game.”

Thibaut Courtois himself, who also disagreed with Asencio’s decision in the mixed zone, showed support on social media by commenting on Asencio’s post with three white hearts, signaling that there is still confidence in his recovery within the squad.

The path to cementing a place at Real Madrid is never easy, and Raúl Asencio is experiencing that firsthand. However, his determination to learn from mistakes and desire to keep fighting for a spot in the starting lineup could be key to turning things around. The tournament goes on, and the defender will have to wait for his chance… but with the right attitude, football always offers a second chance.