Al-Hilal hold Real Madrid in Club World Cup clash

Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal stunned European giants Real Madrid with a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their opening Group H clash at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in Miami.

In a match that marked the competitive debuts of both managers—Xabi Alonso for Madrid and Simone Inzaghi for Al-Hilal—the two sides delivered an enthralling encounter packed with chances, drama, and a late penalty save that kept the scores level.

Madrid strike first, but Al-Hilal hit back

Los Blancos broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through 21-year-old Gonzalo García, who coolly finished a blistering counter-attack.

Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo combined brilliantly before the Brazilian squared the ball for García to slot home—marking the first goal of Alonso’s reign.

But Al-Hilal responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, former Wolves midfielder Rúben Neves confidently converted a penalty after Madrid defender Raúl Asencio hauled down Marcos Leonardo in the box.

Neves sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way, levelling the score before half-time.

Late drama as Bono denies Valverde

Madrid thought they had snatched victory in the 89th minute when Fran García was clumsily fouled by Mohammed Al-Qahtani, earning a penalty.

But Al-Hilal’s Moroccan goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, produced a heroic save to deny Federico Valverde, ensuring the spoils were shared.

Post-match reaction

Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid manager): “I would say the first half was not as good as the second one. Every game we need to take positives and learn on what we can improve. Every game will give us lessons to keep improving.”

“Great support, great crowd. We are delighted with that.”

Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal midfielder): “A very good game from us. They prepared well again and we showed it today. They scored a goal, and we knew at a moment they were very strong in the counter-attack.” 

“I think it was a fantastic performance from the team. A positive result. We are playing against one of the biggest teams in the world. Everyone saw we didn’t come here to draw. We came here to win.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid debutant): “An amazing day to make my debut for Real Madrid. Almost what every player dreams of.” 

“Some disappointment to not have won the game. The mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player is to expect to win every game you’re playing, but a lot of positives, especially in the second half.”

What’s next?

Real Madrid face Mexico’s CF Pachuca on Sunday, 22 June, at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, while Al-Hilal take on Red Bull Salzburg at Washington D.C.’s Audi Field the same day.