Alonso’s Real Madrid Debut Marred by‌ Club World Cup Draw

⁤ Updated june 18, 2025

Xabi alonso’s first ⁤match in‍ his new role‍ as Real Madrid coach concluded in a 1-1 ⁢draw against ‌Al⁣ Hilal of Saudi Arabia⁤ in⁢ wednesday’s Club World Cup match. The result was⁤ a setback for the 15-time European champion.

Federico Valverde had an chance⁤ to secure a victory for Real Madrid with a stoppage-time penalty. However, Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine⁢ Bounou saved the shot, denying Alonso a winning⁣ start. The role of goalkeeper proved crucial.

Al Hilal, under their new‌ coach Simone Inzaghi, displayed resilience and created​ their own ‌scoring opportunities at Hard Rock Stadium. A late penalty awarded ⁤to Madrid following a VAR review added to the‍ drama.

Gonzalo Garcia put Real Madrid‍ ahead in the 34th minute. Al Hilal responded seven ⁢minutes later with a penalty converted by Ruben Neves, who sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first‌ match with Real​ Madrid as‍ his move⁣ from Liverpool ended with a draw. (Photo by Dan mullan/Getty Images)

The penalty was awarded‍ after Mohammed Alqahtani fouled⁢ Fran Garcia in the​ box, ‌as‍ steadfast by VAR. Valverde’s subsequent ⁢penalty attempt‌ in added time was thwarted ​by Bounou, ‌triggering celebrations among Al‌ Hilal players.

Despite the draw, Al Hilal, ⁢with inzaghi at the helm, showcased their potential against the ​Spanish powerhouse. Their role in the match was important.

Leonardo⁤ missed several chances to score, and the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic may