Xabi Alonso‘s Real Madrid made their Club World Cup debut on Wednesday with a draw against Al Hilal. The match was a repeat of the final of the now defunct 2023 Club World Cup, which ended in victory for Madrid.
Real Madrid only manage a draw in their Club World Cup debut against Al Hilal
This time, in a new tournament created by FIFA, both teams were looking to start with a win that would put them on track for the next round. However, neither side was able to go beyond a 1-1 draw, with the goal coming from youth player Gonzalo in the first half. Nevertheless, and although it is only the first game, it was clear that Xabi Alonso has a lot of work to do to get this team moving forward.
The Real Madrid team was expected to make a strong debut with Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander Arnold. However, this was not the case. But it was not because of them, but rather because the match left a lot to be desired from the Madrid side.
It was a lackluster performance from the Spanish side, who struggled against an Al Hilal team that had the clearest chances of the game, most of them falling to Marcos Leonardo. Madrid improved in the second half with the introduction of Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz for Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo, in an attempt by Xabi Alonso to get his team closer to the opposition’s area.
A lackluster performance from Real Madrid: much to be resolved
The two new signings tried to boost a defense that has struggled to win any of the titles this season. In the case of the Englishman, Xabi Alonso did see some important action to start his spell with the Merengue team, now in the Club World Cup.
The Saudi club started the game very actively, taking advantage of Real Madrid’s minor adjustments in defense. Marcos Bernardo came close to scoring the first goal after ten minutes with a cross-shot that went slightly wide. Meanwhile, the Whites, with Gonzalo up front, were unable to create any major chances in the opening minutes.
Vinícius also had a difficult start to the game, receiving a yellow card early on for simulating a foul. The Brazilian, without Mbappé in the starting line-up today, had a great opportunity to show that he wants to be the leader of this Real Madrid team. However, he did not play a major role. Alongside him, the player who had the most involvement, and even scored a goal in Xabi Alonso’s ‘new’ Real Madrid, was Gonzalo, a youth player who was part of the first team squad on this occasion. He was the scorer of Madrid’s goal.
Gonzalo and his goal, one of the few positives from this Club World Cup debut
The second half ended with both teams exchanging chances, none of them particularly dangerous, until in the 89th minute, Fran García was struck in the face inside the area. Referee Tello, after reviewing the VAR, awarded a penalty.
Valverde chose the left side, but Bono guessed his intentions and prevented the goal in the dying moments of the match. With no time for more, Real Madrid’s debut ended in a draw and mixed feelings.
The Whites’ midfield did not work, with Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde, both making their debuts, failing to take control of the game against Simone Inzaghi’s side, who were better in the first half but ended up stuck in front of their goal in a second 45 minutes in which Madrid grew into the game and created chances.
Alonso was frustrated at times by his players’ passive defense, both in terms of pressure and intensity in individual duels. Lodi’s disallowed goal for offside was a warning, and the two-minute break due to the heat allowed the coach to clarify his ideas with his players. “Keep moving and passing,” he explained, asking his players to keep moving.
All in all, Real Madrid did not create many chances in this first match of the Club World Cup. In fact, it was not until the 73rd minute that the Madridistas took their first corner kick. In view of this, it can be said that the Merengue team did not find their game against Al Hilal at the Hard Rock Stadium, and although they were saved by the penalty at the end, their collective play was not the best in their debut and they ended with a 1-1 draw.
“We played too slowly in the first half. We struggled to find the rhythm of the game,” said Thibaut Courtois. “The penalty was silly. After that, we played faster and more agile. If we keep up the momentum from the second half, it should help us. We have to look to string passes together and not always try to attack. Vini, Rodrygo, and Brahim have the quality.”
Gonzalo García also had his first words under Alonso, where he even won the man of the match (MOTM) award: “We wanted the win, we wanted to start with a good result, but we fought until the end, the opponent played a great game and I’m sure this point will be positive. We’re really looking forward to the other two games. It’s always a privilege to play in this shirt, it’s absolutely incredible,” said the young academy player.