Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, in what was Xabi Alonso’s first official game as manager, Afrosport reports.
The Spaniard and former Los Blancos player left Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who took up the job as head coach of the Brazil national team.
Real were the first to go in front at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens with Gonzalo Garcia connecting with a fine pass from Rodrygo in the 34th minute and putting the ball past Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Al-Hilal, under the watch of new manager Simone Inzaghi, who joined from Inter Milan, equalised seven minutes later when former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves scored from the penalty spot after Raul Asencio brought down Marcos Leanardo in the box.
Madrid had the chance to win the game in added time of the second half after Mohammed Al-Qahtani raised his hands against Fran Garcia and a penalty was awarded following a lengthy VAR review.
Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde however saw his effort saved by Bonou.
Nothing to separate The Blue Wave and Los Blancos in an electric encounter in Miami. 🔋#FIFACWC
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 18, 2025
Alonso will be hoping to get his first win as Real boss when they take on Mexican side Pachuca in their next Group H game in Charlotte while Al-Hilal will battle Austrian giants RB Salzburg in Philadelphia.
