Real Madrid kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal. This opening match was highly anticipated, not only because of Real Madrid’s history but also because it marked the debut of new manager Xabi Alonso, who recently took over the reins after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti. Fans across the world were eager to see how Alonso would shape his former club, and although Madrid didn’t start with a win, there were many positives to take from the game.
The match was played in Miami, and the warm weather added an extra challenge to both sides. Despite the conditions, Real Madrid looked calm and organized for most of the game. They created many chances but struggled to convert them, something the coaching team is likely to focus on going forward.
Early Goal from Gonzalo Garcia Brings Hope
Real Madrid took the lead in the first half, thanks to a composed finish from young striker Gonzalo Garcia. The goal came from a quick combination of passes, and Garcia, showing great awareness, placed the ball calmly into the net. His goal was a proud moment, especially since it came in his first major international appearance for the senior team.
After scoring, Garcia said, “It’s a dream to score for Real Madrid. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity and wanted to make it count.” His performance gave fans hope that the younger generation at Madrid can carry the team forward in the years to come.
Al Hilal Equalizes After VAR Penalty Decision
Just before halftime, Real Madrid’s defense made a costly mistake inside the box, leading to a penalty for Al Hilal. After a VAR review confirmed the foul, Al Hilal scored from the spot, leveling the match 1-1. It was a setback for Madrid, especially after a confident start, but the team tried to regroup and stay composed for the remainder of the game.
In the second half, Madrid created several chances, including a late penalty opportunity for Fede Valverde. However, Al Hilal’s goalkeeper denied his shot with a crucial save, preserving the tie and keeping the match finely poised The miss was unfortunate, as it could have sealed the win, but Valverde remained positive after the match: “Sometimes the ball doesn’t go in, but we’ll keep working hard.”
New Signings Shine in Their Debuts
Two of Real Madrid’s recent signings made their first appearances for the club during this match. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined from the Premier League, started as a right-back but moved into a more attacking role throughout the game. His energy and experience added confidence to the right side of the pitch. Wearing just “Trent” on his jersey, he looked comfortable in his new colors and even played a role in building up Madrid’s goal.
Also making his debut was defender Dean Huijsen, a young and promising talent. Although he’s a newcomer, the coaching staff handed him the captain’s armband late in the game an unexpected yet powerful display of trust in his leadership and character. This symbolic gesture suggests that even in a short time, he earned their confidence through attitude, effort, or presence on the pitch. He showed calmness and control in defense and earned praise for his composure under pressure.
Trent reflected on his debut by saying, “It’s been a great welcome. The tempo is high, but the team is supportive. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Xabi Alonso’s New Journey Begins
This match was also a major milestone for Xabi Alonso, who returned to Madrid, this time as the manager. Alonso, known for his calm personality and deep understanding of the game, plans to bring a fresh style to the team. He acknowledged that the team needs time to adjust to his tactics, but he expressed satisfaction with many aspects of their performance.
“The result was not what we wanted, but there are many good signs. We kept possession, created chances, and stayed organized. We’ll learn from this and move forward stronger.”
He emphasized the importance of patience, as building a new team takes time, especially when blending experienced players with new signings and youth talents.
Real Madrid’s Next Steps in the Tournament
With this draw, Real Madrid now sits tied in their group and will need to win their upcoming matches to advance to the next round. Alonso plans to make slight rotations to the squad for their upcoming clash against Red Bull Salzburg, aiming to manage player fitness effectively. By adjusting the lineup, he hopes to maintain energy levels across the team while still fielding a competitive side.Fans are hoping to see star forward Kylian Mbappé return for the next game after missing this one due to illness.
There is also excitement around other returning players like Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão, who are recovering from long-term injuries. Their return will be a big boost for the squad as they prepare for more difficult matches ahead.
Positive Signs Despite Draw
While Real Madrid did not get the win they wanted, there were many encouraging signs. The younger players stepped up, the new signings showed promise, and the team looked united under their new manager. The missed penalty was disappointing, but football is often decided by small moments.
More importantly, the match showed that Real Madrid is in a period of transition, and that journey has just begun. If the players continue to work together and follow Alonso’s direction, the future could be very bright. The Club World Cup is not just a tournament for trophies it’s a chance to build chemistry, test new tactics, and grow as a team.
