Spanish Coach, Xabi Alonso, made his Real Madrid managerial debut in a 1–1 draw with Al Hilal, as the Saudi side frustrated the Spanish giants in their Club World Cup opener.
France International Kylian Mbappe ruled out through illness, Gonzalo Garcia stepped into the forward line and briefly justified his inclusion with a 34th-minute goal — his second for the club, poking home a Rodrygo cross.
But Real’s lead lasted just six minutes. Ruben Neves coolly converted from the spot after Raul Asencio hauled down Marcos Leonardo inside the box, capping a first half that Al Hilal had largely controlled.
Al Hilal dominated the early exchanges, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic drawing a sharp save from Thibaut Courtois and Leonardo spurning a glorious chance from close range.
Renan Lodi had a goal chalked off for offside before Madrid’s opener came against the run of play, courtesy of a blistering counter-attack.
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Madrid had a golden opportunity to snatch all three points in the 90th minute, when referee Facundo Tello controversially awarded a second penalty after a VAR review judged Mohammed Al-Qahtani to have struck Fran Garcia in the face during an aerial challenge.
However, Fede Valverde’s effort lacked conviction, and Al Hilal goalkeeper Bono saved comfortably low to his right.
Fede Valverde taking his Penalty kick against Al Hilal goalkeeper Bono. Photo Credit: X
Leonardo remained a threat after the break, missing two further chances, while Arda Güler nearly marked his introduction with a goal, hitting the bar from close range minutes after replacing Asencio.
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The result leaves Alonso with much to ponder after an underwhelming debut. Madrid lacked rhythm in attack and composure at the back, despite the presence of new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen in the defensive line.
Al Hilal, by contrast, were well organised and bold, with Bono’s late heroics capping a performance full of resilience.
