Real Madrid CWC GFX
Xabi Alonso had to settle for a disappointing draw in his first game in charge of the Spanish giants
Real Madrid had their chances but failed to convert them as they slumped to a drab 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal to start the Xabi Alonso era in underwhelming fashion. Los Blancos should have won it on a number of occasions but squandered multiple opportunities - including a last-ditch penalty - which saw them settle for a draw in their Club World Cup opener.
Al-Hilal were the more expansive side early. They attacked down the Madrid right, putting pressure on debutant Trent Alexander-Arnold. Renan Lodi almost gave them the lead after a mistake by the ex-Liverpool man, but was a yard offside when he slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Los Blancos took the lead after a poor 30 minutes. Youngster Gonzalo Garcia found the net, ghosting in at the far post and rather scuffing the ball over Yassine Bounou for Madrid's first goal under Alonso after a fine pass from Rodrygo. But Al-Hilal responded. Raul Asencio foolishly gave away a penalty, and Ruben Neves converted.
Madrid showed more attacking intent in the second half. And they were almost rewarded early. Vinicius Jr got involved for the first time, darting down the left and cutting it back for Arda Guler, who smashed a first-time volley off the bar.
Real then had a golden opportunity to win it in second-half stoppage time when Federico Valverde stepped up to the penalty spot. But Bounou guessed the right way and stifled his shot. This was hardly a terrible showing, but far from the start Alonso would have wanted.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Hard Rock Stadium...
Real Madrid CF v Al Hilal: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (6/10):
Sent the wrong way on Neves' penalty. Made a few nice saves, otherwise.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10):
Not the best debut. Some of his passing was loose, and he was badly exposed defensively.
Raul Asencio (5/10):
Gave away a silly penalty and never settled into the game.
Dean Huijsen (8/10):
A very assured showing. Won most of his duels, played some incisive forward passes from the back, and looked composed beyond his years.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Scampered up and down the left, but some of his positioning was poor. Allowed Joao Cancelo plenty of joy on that wing.
FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH14-REAL MADRID-HILAL
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
A bit loose in open spaces, but much more effective when he dropped into a deeper role in the second half.
Jude Bellingham (6/10):
Covered plenty of ground and showed more effort than in the final days of last season, but wasn't on the ball much.
Federico Valverde (5/10):
Full of legs, put a couple of efforts on goal, and covered the right side effectively. Rather ruined it all by missing a late penalty.
FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH14-REAL MADRID-HILAL
Attack
Rodrygo (8/10):
Picked up a lovely assist and was a real threat down the right wing.
Gonzalo Garcia (7/10):
Scored the opening goal, and was lively throughout. Likely won't be a regular, but did his job here.
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
A bit mixed. Enjoyed some dangerous moments, but was equally disappointing at times. And booked for diving.
Real Madrid CF v Al Hilal: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Subs & Manager
Arda Guler (7/10):
Excellent off the bench. Could have scored and created plenty of chances.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Covered well at right-back. These might be his final days as a Madrid player.
Brahim Diaz (5/10):
Not particularly effective, and missed a few good opportunities to connect with his team-mates.
Victor Munoz (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Luka Modric (N/A):
On very late.
Xabi Alonso (6/10):
Not a bad start - even if he didn't get a win. Madrid were better defensively, and looked really good at times. But the result isn't great.
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