La Liga
Real Madrid suffered a tough elimination in the 2025 Club World Cup at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, and within the white team's dressing room, one name has stood out: Raúl Asencio. The young Spanish defender, who arrived at the tournament with high expectations, ended up being the main target of criticism by Xabi Alonso after the 4-0 loss to Luis Enrique's team. His early mistake opened the door for Fabián Ruiz to score PSG's first goal, triggering the collapse of the white team.
The defender, who aimed to establish himself as Dean Huijsen's partner in the new defensive system, failed to deliver in any of the tournament matches. First, he committed a penalty against Pachuca, then received a straight red card against Al Hilal, and finally gifted a key possession that led to PSG's opening goal. His performance was completely overshadowed by that mistake, which became the turning point of the match.
Raúl Asencio, the worst player for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup
Xabi Alonso, unequivocal in his analysis after the elimination, has urged the board to find a way out for Asencio in this transfer window. The coach believes that a new center-back is urgently needed, someone who can provide reliability in crucial moments and fit into the three-defender line he aims to establish.
What was expected to be a tournament of consecration for Asencio has turned into a nightmare that could cost him his place in the club. With his renewal still pending official confirmation, his immediate future seems to be away from the Santiago Bernabéu, as the sporting director is already exploring options to strengthen the defensive line for the upcoming European challenge.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Raúl Asencio, sentenciado por Xabi Alonso después del Mundial de Clubes
