Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Era Begins with 1-1 Draw Against Al Hilal at Club World Cup
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Xabi Alonso’s highly anticipated debut as Real Madrid head coach ended in frustration as his team was held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal in their opening match at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Despite taking the lead through Gonzalo Garcia in the 34th minute, Madrid couldn’t maintain control, allowing Ruben Neves to equalize from the penalty spot just seven minutes later.
Federico Valverde Misses Stoppage-Time Penalty
Real Madrid was handed a golden opportunity to snatch victory deep into stoppage time. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) flagged a foul by Mohammed Alqahtani on Fran Garcia inside the penalty area.
Midfielder Federico Valverde stepped up, but his low-driven effort was saved by Yassine Bounou, sparking jubilant celebrations from Al Hilal’s bench and denying Alonso a winning start.
Al Hilal Impresses Under New Coach Simone Inzaghi
Although missing star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic due to injury, Al Hilal delivered a performance full of tactical discipline and resilience. Under the guidance of former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, the Saudi club made a strong statement of intent.
Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo had multiple chances to win it for Al Hilal, highlighting Madrid’s vulnerability and the Saudi team’s growing confidence.
What Xabi Alonso Said After the Match
In his post-match comments, Alonso remained measured:
“We know that things take time. We saw a good reaction in the second half. We need good results because it’s a tough competition, but everything takes time.”
The Spanish legend acknowledged the transition phase as he works to implement his style with the 15-time European champions.
Simone Inzaghi Praises Arabic Football’s Growth
Inzaghi, meanwhile, was full of praise for his new side:
“We put in a good performance against Real Madrid, one of the strongest teams in the world. Arabic football is getting better year after year. The infrastructure, the organization — it’s all here.”
His words signal confidence not only in Al Hilal but in the broader growth of Middle Eastern football on the global stage.
FAQs
Q: Who scored for Real Madrid in the match against Al Hilal?
A: Gonzalo Garcia scored for Real Madrid in the 34th minute.
Q: Why did Real Madrid not win the match?
A: Federico Valverde missed a stoppage-time penalty that could have sealed a win.
Q: Who is the new coach of Al Hilal?
A: Former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi is now coaching Al Hilal.
Q: When did Xabi Alonso become Real Madrid’s coach?
A: Xabi Alonso was recently appointed and this match marked his official debut.
Conclusion
Xabi Alonso’s first outing as Real Madrid manager may not have delivered the victory fans hoped for, but it offered a glimpse into the challenges he faces at the helm of one of football’s most demanding clubs. A 1-1 draw against a well-organized Al Hilal side, led by Simone Inzaghi, showcased both Madrid’s transitional state and the rapid progress of Middle Eastern football on the global stage.
While the missed penalty in stoppage time will sting, Alonso remains focused on long-term development. For Al Hilal, the result is a major confidence boost, affirming their place among top-tier international clubs. As the Club World Cup 2025 continues, both teams will look to build on this performance—with much still to play for.
