Real Madrid were unable to claim a win in their FIFA Club World Cup opener after drawing 1-1 with Al Hilal on Wednesday evening.
FIFA Club World Cup
Result: Real Madrid v Al Hilal
Date: 18 June 2025
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
New Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso handed debuts to new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen while Kylian Mbappe was named on the bench after recovering from the flu.
The Saudi Pro League side carved out the game's first chance inside the opening 10 minutes as a well-worked move ended with Marcos Leonardo sending his first-time strike inches wide from 10 yards out.
Al Hilal had the ball in the back of the net in the 20th minute when Renan Lodi was slipped through on goal and calmly slotted into the far corner, however the celebrations were cut short due to an offside.
However, Los Blancos got the opening goal with their first real chance on 33 minutes as a swift counter ended with Rodrygo sending in a delightful cross for young striker Gonzalo Garcia, who slotted home from close range.
Al Hilal were afforded the chance to get back on level terms seven minutes later when they awarded a penalty for Raul Asencio's foul on Leonardo in the box. Ruben Neves stepped up and calmly slotted home to level matters.
The Spanish giants came out a lot more dominant on the ball in the second half as they nearly took the lead minutes after the break, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a superb save at point-blank range to deny Garcia.
Alonso refreshed the team just after the hour mark as Alexander-Arnold and Rodrygo made way for Lucas Vazquez and Brahim Diaz, while Al Hilal introduced Hamad Alyami and Mohammed Alqahtani.
With the game heading for a draw, Los Blancos were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute for Alqahtani's foul on Fran Garcia following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
However, Los Blancos did not profit as Federico Valverde stepped up to take his first penalty for the club but saw his effort saved by Bounou as the two sides settled for a share of the spoils.
Photo by Sandra Montanez/Getty Images
