Real Madrid's debut game under new coach Xabi Alonso at the FIFA Club World Cup was nothing short of dramatic! With a pulsating 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, the match delivered a rollercoaster of moments that had fans buzzing ⚽🔥.
Gonzalo Garcia ignited the game just after the 30-minute mark with a clever finish following a slick pass from Rodrygo. Not to be outdone, Al-Hilal quickly equalized as Ruben Neves converted a penalty after a foul on Raul Asencio, setting the stage for a nail-biting contest.
In stoppage time, Real Madrid had a golden chance to snatch the win when Federico Valverde stepped up from the spot. However, his penalty was saved by Al-Hilal's Yassine Bounou, leaving the Spanish side with a point and plenty to build on.
Coach Alonso, speaking to DAZN, noted that while the first half was tough, the second half brought improved control and sharper chances. New signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen also made their debuts, injecting fresh energy into the squad, even as the team missed top scorer Kylian Mbappe due to illness.
While Manchester City celebrated an early win in the tournament, this match reminded us that football is all about passion, perseverance, and those heart-stopping moments that keep us on our toes. Stay tuned as these global football giants continue to light up the stage!
Reference(s):
Real Madrid held by Al-Hilal after Man City grab win at Club World Cup
cgtn.com
