Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami on Wednesday night. The game, played in front of a nearly sold-out crowd at the Hard Rock Stadium, marked the managerial debut of Xabi Alonso and also saw Trent Alexander-Arnold make his first appearance for Real Madrid after his move from Liverpool.
Despite taking the lead, the 15-time European champions struggled to hold onto it. The intense Florida heat and a determined Al Hilal side made life difficult for the Spanish giants, who couldn’t convert their chances in a match that could have easily swung either way.
Gonzalo Garcia Steps Up in Mbappe’s Absence
With Kylian Mbappe out due to illness, Gonzalo Garcia was handed the task of leading the attack for Real Madrid. The young striker did not disappoint and opened the scoring in the 34th minute. Real put together a slick passing move down the right wing before Garcia calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give his side a 1-0 lead.
It was a bright moment in an otherwise inconsistent first-half performance from Madrid. The searing 90-degree Fahrenheit (32°C) heat in Miami seemed to take a toll on the players, and Real failed to build on their lead.
Ruben Neves Levels for Al Hilal
Just minutes before halftime, Al Hilal found their breakthrough. Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves converted a penalty with confidence, sending Real keeper Thibaut Courtois the wrong way to make it 1-1. The penalty was awarded after a clumsy challenge in the box, and the Saudi side made no mistake from the spot.
Under their new coach Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal looked solid in defence and quick on the counter. They managed to match Madrid in intensity and looked sharp across the pitch. The goal gave them a well-earned reward for their persistence in the first half.
Missed Opportunities and a Late Penalty Drama
Both teams had chances in the second half, but neither could find a winner. Al Hilal’s Leonardo had multiple opportunities but failed to hit the target. Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde had a golden chance to win the match in the final moments with a penalty, but he missed, summing up the frustrations of the Spanish side.
The VAR had awarded Madrid a penalty following a handball decision. Valverde stepped up confidently but struck the ball wide, leaving the match tied at 1-1 and both teams sharing the points.
Xabi Alonso Reflects on His Debut
Speaking after the match, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso admitted that his team had a mixed performance. “The first half was not as good as the second; we improved and had better chances and control,” he told DAZN.
He added, “Every game, we need to take positives, we can learn and keep improving. It was a really demanding environment.” The heat clearly affected the rhythm of the game, and Alonso acknowledged the physical challenge of playing in such conditions.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s First Game in White
Another major talking point was the debut of Trent Alexander-Arnold for Real Madrid. The England international, who recently left Liverpool, said it was a special day for him. “Incredible day to have made a debut for Real Madrid, almost every player dreams of it,” he said.
Although he was disappointed with the result, Alexander-Arnold was encouraged by how the team performed in the second half. “We kept the ball better in the second half. In the heat here, it’s best to keep hold of it for as long as you can and let the other side do the running,” he added.
He also praised the fans and the atmosphere in the stadium: “We dominated the stands today as well, and the support was amazing. I felt support from the moment I signed for the club. Their fan base is truly global. You feel it everywhere, from the hotel to social media.”
Al Hilal Impress Under Inzaghi
Simone Inzaghi’s first match in charge of Al Hilal was also notable. His team showed confidence, discipline, and a clear strategy to frustrate Madrid. Even without star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was unavailable due to injury, they created several chances and could have even secured a shock win.
Leonardo in particular will feel he should have done better with his opportunities in front of goal. Had Mitrovic been on the pitch, it’s possible the outcome could have been different.
What’s Next in Group H?
With the draw, both teams now look ahead to their next matches in Group H. Real Madrid will face Mexican club Pachuca on Sunday, while Al Hilal take on RB Salzburg. The results of those games will be crucial in determining who advances to the knockout stages of the Club World Cup.
This draw leaves the group wide open, and both teams know they’ll need strong performances in their next outings if they want to progress.
Conclusion: A Test of Nerves and Heat
The 1-1 draw was not the result Real Madrid fans were hoping for, especially with a lineup full of stars. But considering the conditions and a tough opponent in Al Hilal, the result wasn’t entirely surprising.
Xabi Alonso’s managerial journey with Madrid has begun with challenges. While there were moments of promise—especially from young players like Garcia and debutant Alexander-Arnold—the team will need to raise their level in upcoming matches.
For Al Hilal, this result is a strong statement. Holding one of the best teams in the world to a draw on a global stage speaks volumes about their growth and potential under Inzaghi.
The Club World Cup has only just begun, but if this opening clash is any indication, fans can expect plenty more drama, excitement, and surprises ahead.
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