The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid is off to uneven start, but there are still lessons to be learned from his first three games in charge at the Club World Cup.

Real Madrid put themselves one step closer to the Club World Cup knockout stages, beating Mexican side Pachuca 2-0. It was a tough start, but Real managed to play some excellent football despite having a man less for most of the game.

New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso did not start his spell on a winning note thanks to Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bonou, who saved a penalty during added time in their 1-1 draw at the Club World Cup on Wednesday.