Real Madrid and Al-Hilal faced off today in a Group H match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, United States. This is a repeat of the 2023 final where Real Madrid won 5-3.
Real Madrid, managed by new boss Xabi Alonso, entered the match with a revamped squad, including new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, key defenders Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba were absent due to injury recovery. Al-Hilal, qualified for the tournament after winning the 2021 AFC Champions League.
The match began with end-to-end attacks. Vinicius Jr. attempted to find Jude Bellingham on the left, but his pass was too long. Al-Hilal responded with a break down the left, halted by Asencio's sliding tackle. Milinkovic-Savic had an early shot from distance, saved by the Real Madrid keeper, and then won a free kick in a dangerous position after being fouled on the rebound. Milenkovic-Savic took the free kick, but it was blocked by the wall.
Real Madrid qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup by winning the 2024 UEFA Champions League, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley. After missing out on both the La Liga title and the Champions League in the 2024/25 season, this tournament represents a chance for Real Madrid to claim silverware.
Real Madrid has historically dominated the Club World Cup, with five titles, all won in the past 11 years, including the most recent in 2022. Their Club World Cup titles don't include the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December.
