Real Madrid made a hesitant start to the 2025 Club World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, in front of a crowd that expected a dominant performance from the Spanish club.
The duel, played on Wednesday, June 18, left more question marks than certainties for the team led by Xabi Alonso, which had a lukewarm start in the new post-Ancelotti era.
Weak start and defensive disorder
Al Hilal had barely started the match when Milinkovic-Savic’s shot threatened Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid showed the same shortcomings that left them without important titles last season:
Little connection in midfield, low tempo and defensive errors, such as the one made by Marco Asensio, which led to a penalty converted by Marega for the final 1-1.
Madrid highlights
Real Madrid’s only goal came after 36 minutes, following a good combination between Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, who assisted Gonzalo García, the young homegrown player who was named player of the match.
However, lack of control of the game and few offensive ideas prevented them from extending their lead.
Real Madrid showed the same weaknesses that left them without major titles
The Merengue team, which was without Kylian Mbappé due to muscular discomfort, opted for an unconventional forward line with Brahim, Gonzalo García and debutant Víctor Muñoz.
Changes that did not change
Buzzy
In the second half, Xabi Alonso moved the bench with the entry of Arda Güler, who crashed a shot against the crossbar and generated a clear shot that was saved by goalkeeper Bono.
Lucas Vázquez and Luka Modric, who received a standing ovation on his possible farewell to the club, also came on.
The Croatian came on for Bellingham in the final minutes.
The last chance fell to Federico Valverde, who missed a penalty in stoppage time.
Thus, Real Madrid dropped two key points in Group B of the tournament.
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