Federico Valverde missed a crucial late penalty as Real Madrid dropped points against Al-Hilal. The Club World Cup clash ended 1-1 in Miami on Wednesday night.
Xabi Alonso’s first competitive game in charge of Real Madrid (6.70) ended in frustration. Al-Hilal, now under Simone Inzaghi, looked sharper for most of the match.
Valverde’s Late Miss Caps Disappointing Night For Real Madrid
The defining moment of the match came in stoppage time. Mohammed Al Qahtani was judged to have caught Fran Garcia with a flailing arm. After consulting the pitchside monitor, referee Facundo Tello awarded a penalty.
Valverde stepped up to the spot under intense pressure. However, his effort was poor, and Bono made an excellent save diving low to his right. The Al-Hilal goalkeeper then denied Garcia again in injury time to preserve the draw.
Garcia Scores Against the Run of Play
Real Madrid had taken the lead earlier in the match, but it was far from deserved. Gonzalo Garcia tapped home from close range following a quick counter-attack. Rodrygo provided the assist with a low cross that dissected the defence.
Up to that point, Al-Hilal had looked far more dangerous. Marcos Leonardo missed a golden opportunity from six yards. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic also saw a powerful effort stopped by Thibaut Courtois, and Renan Lodi had a goal chalked off for offside.
Despite Madrid’s goal, they struggled to control possession or tempo. Al-Hilal’s pressing and movement consistently caused problems.
Neves Brings Al-Hilal Level
The Saudi Pro League side did not trail for long. Raul Asencio clumsily brought down Leonardo in the penalty area. Ruben Neves confidently stepped up and converted from the spot.
That goal sparked Al-Hilal into life even further. They controlled the remainder of the first half and created more chances than Madrid. By the break, Alonso’s team looked disorganised and tired.
Second-Half Response Falls Short
Real Madrid responded with a stronger second half, but it still lacked fluency. Arda Guler nearly restored the lead with a fierce strike that rattled the crossbar. Vinicius Jr then dinked the ball beautifully into the box, where Garcia forced Bono into another sharp save.
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the break. Leonardo squandered yet another chance, blazing over from inside the box. Madrid continued to look vulnerable defensively and short of creativity in midfield.
When the penalty decision came late in the game, it appeared Los Blancos had escaped with a narrow win. But Bono’s heroics denied them a dream start under Alonso.
Alonso’s First Game Exposes Issues
This was not the start Alonso would have hoped for. Real Madrid looked flat for long spells and failed to create consistent attacking momentum. They only managed their first corner in the 74th minute.
Several players underperformed, and the team lacked chemistry. Alonso’s tactics were unclear, and substitutions came too late to affect the outcome. There were glimpses of promise, but the disjointed play overshadowed them.
Madrid’s famed midfield trio struggled to impose themselves. Valverde’s miss summed up a night of wasted opportunities and loose execution.
Al-Hilal Show Signs of Progress Under Inzaghi
On the other hand, Al-Hilal will take confidence from this result. Playing under Simone Inzaghi for the first time, they showed structure, aggression and quality. They pressed high and transitioned with speed.
Neves and Milinkovic-Savic bossed the midfield, while Leonardo was a constant threat despite his poor finishing. Bono, meanwhile, was a match-winner. His late saves were world-class and gave Al-Hilal a deserved point.
For fans following online sports betting trends, this result would have surprised many. Real Madrid entered as clear favourites, but the outcome proved unpredictable.
Madrid’s Club World Cup Streak in Danger
Real Madrid has dominated the FIFA Club World Cup in recent years. They have lifted the trophy five times—more than any other club. Those victories came in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022. They also won the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
They beat Al-Hilal 5-3 in the 2022 final. Before this game, the Saudi side had never beaten a European opponent in the tournament. Their previous losses included a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea in 2021.
However, this latest match suggests the gap may be closing. Madrid’s sluggish display will raise concerns heading into the rest of the tournament. They will need a sharp improvement to avoid an early exit.
Conclusion: Work Ahead for Alonso
This draw will be a learning experience for Xabi Alonso. He now understands the scale of the challenge he faces. Real Madrid remain talented, but tactical clarity and cohesion are urgently needed.
Al-Hilal’s performance highlighted Madrid’s weaknesses. If Alonso cannot fix them quickly, more surprises may follow. For now, Real Madrid remain unbeaten under their new boss, but far from convincing.
