Spanish La Liga side, Real Madrid, and Saudi Professional League side, Al Hilal, finished 1-1 in their FIFA Club World Cup opener at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on Wednesday 18 June, 2025.
It was new signing from Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s and manager, Xabi Alonso’s first appearances for the Los Blancos.
Ruben Neves levelled for Al Hilal in the 41st minute after Real Madrid had gone in front in the 34th minute through Academy product, Gonzalo Garcia, converting Rodrygo’s assist.
Sadly, Alonso’s Los Blancos’ chance to go back in front and probably emerge victorious was thrown away when Federico Valverde lost a penalty kick in the 2nd minute of additional time.
Goalkeeper, Bounou, went the right way to keep out Valverde’s shot after substitute Mohammed Al-Qahtani had been penalised after a VAR check for his arm coming into contact with Fran Garcia’s face.
The save prevented Xabi Alonso from clinching victory in his first match in charge, with academy product Gonzalo Garcia, starting in place of the sick Kylian Mbappe.
Flaunting the No 12 shirt, English defender, Alexander-Arnold, did not have the easiest first half as a Los Blancos player as he fought really hard to hold Al-Dawsari. Madrid looked astonished by Al Hilal’s high morale.
Result
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – Wednesday 18 June, 2025 |
| Monterrey 1-1 Inter |
| Ulsan Hyundai 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns FC |
| Manchester City 2-0 Wydad Casablanca |
| Real Madrid 1-1 Al Hilal |
| Pachuca 1-2 FC Salzburg |
In his post-draw comments, Alexander-Arnold said: “It’s an incredible day.
“It’s something almost every player dreams of. Of course, there is some disappointment not to have won the game. The mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player is to want and expect to win every game. But there were a lot of positives, especially in the second half.”
Photo: Al Hilal goalkeeper, Bounou, with Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modrić. X/AlHilal Saudi Club
