Under the scorching Miami sun, Real Madrid stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup, a result that overshadowed Trent Alexander-Arnold's debut for the Spanish giants. The game, played at Hard Rock Stadium, saw the Saudi Arabian team steal the spotlight from both the highly anticipated debut and Xabi Alonso's first match in charge.
Real Madrid, who qualified for the tournament as UEFA Champions League winners, aimed to start strong in Group H. However, Al-Hilal, the AFC Champions League victors, proved to be a tough opponent. The Saudi side, boasting stars like João Cancelo, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Bono, displayed both defensive resilience and attacking intent throughout the match.
The first half was a lively affair. Despite Al-Hilal's strong start, it was Real Madrid who took the lead in the 34th minute. A swift counter-attack saw Rodrygo deliver a precise pass to Gonzalo Garcia, who finished with composure, chipping the ball over Bono. However, Al-Hilal responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, Ruben Neves converted a penalty after Marcos Leonardo was brought down in the box, leveling the score and sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his debut for Real Madrid after a high-profile move from Liverpool, played 65 minutes. While his arrival generated considerable excitement among fans, his performance was somewhat underwhelming. The England international, sporting the number 12 jersey, didn't particularly catch the eye.
Real Madrid increased their pressure in the second half, with Xabi Alonso introducing Arda Güler as a substitute. Güler proved to be a bright spark, showcasing his versatility and nearly scoring with a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar. Despite the increased pressure, Al-Hilal's defense, led by an inspired Bono, held firm.
The match reached a dramatic climax in added time when Real Madrid was awarded a penalty after a foul on Garcia. Federico Valverde stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Bono produced a world-class save, diving to his left to deny Valverde and secure a well-deserved draw for Al-Hilal.
The draw represents a disappointing start for Real Madrid in their Club World Cup campaign and a frustrating debut for Xabi Alonso. The team struggled to impose their will on the game, and the Miami heat seemed to take its toll. The absence of Kylian Mbappé, who was sidelined due to illness, was also keenly felt, with the team lacking their usual firepower upfront.
Al-Hilal, on the other hand, will be delighted with their performance. Under the guidance of new coach Simone Inzaghi, the Saudi side displayed tactical discipline, resilience, and a threat on the counter-attack. Bono's penalty save was the icing on the cake, earning Al-Hilal a valuable point and setting them up well for their remaining group matches.
The result leaves Group H wide open, with both Real Madrid and Al-Hilal needing to improve their performances in their upcoming matches to secure a place in the knockout stages. For Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso will be looking to quickly integrate his new signings and find a way to unlock the team's attacking potential.
