Real Madrid and Al Hilal Share the Spoils in 1–1 Draw at FIFA Club World Cup 2025

As of June 18, 2025, Real Madrid and Al Hilal played to a 1–1 draw in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This marked the start of Real Madrid's campaign under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

Match Summary

The match was characterized by intense heat and high humidity, which affected the rhythm of play. Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid struggled to break down Al Hilal's defense. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Real Madrid's Gonzalo García capitalized on a counterattack, assisted by Rodrygo. However, Al Hilal responded swiftly, with Rúben Neves converting a penalty in the 41st minute after a foul by Real Madrid's Raul Asencio.

In the second half, Real Madrid increased their pressure, with Arda Güler hitting the crossbar and captain Federico Valverde missing a penalty in stoppage time, saved by Al Hilal's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Despite their efforts, Real Madrid couldn't find a winning goal, and the match ended in a 1–1 draw.

Tactical Insights

Al Hilal, under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, displayed a well-organized and disciplined performance. Their tactical setup allowed them to absorb pressure and exploit counterattacking opportunities effectively. The team's resilience and strategic approach were evident as they managed to neutralize Real Madrid's attacking threats.

On the other hand, Real Madrid's new tactical system under Alonso showed promise but lacked the fluidity expected at this stage. The team's inability to convert chances and the missed penalty highlighted areas for improvement as they aim to adapt to Alonso's philosophy.

Group H Standings

The result leaves both teams with one point in Group H, alongside Red Bull Salzburg, who secured a 2–1 victory over CF Pachuca in another group match. The group remains competitive, with all teams vying for advancement to the knockout stages.

As the tournament progresses, Real Madrid will look to build on their possession-based approach and improve their finishing, while Al Hilal will aim to continue their strong performances against European opposition.

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