The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opened with drama, tactical questions, and individual brilliance. Real Madrid’s nervy 1-1 draw against Al Hilal revealed cracks in their new era under Xabi Alonso. It was a match that promised more than it delivered and served as a reminder that transition takes time – even at a club like Madrid.
Madrid 1-1 Al Hilal
Real Madrid’s first competitive match under Xabi Alonso wasn’t smooth sailing. A 1-1 draw against Al Hilal exposed defensive fragilities, midfield imbalance, and a lack of cohesion – understandable perhaps, given that only nine training sessions preceded the match. Still, fans and analysts alike expected more authority from the European champions.
Key Moments:
- 34′ Gonzalo García, the 19-year-old debutant, calmly slotted home Madrid’s opener – a bright moment in a generally disjointed performance.
- 41′ Rúben Neves equalized from the spot after Trent Alexander-Arnold conceded a penalty by clumsily taking down Malcom in the box.
- 90+4′ Federico Valverde had a chance to win it for Madrid but was denied by a world-class save from Yassine Bounou.
Tactical Observations: Alonso abandoned his Bayer Leverkusen-style back three in favor of a traditional 4-3-3. While this might have been meant to ease new players into the system, it left Trent Alexander-Arnold – who was making his debut – exposed defensively.
With Luka Modrić showing his age and Toni Kroos now retired, Madrid lacked the midfield dynamism to maintain control. Jude Bellingham dropped deep to influence build-up, but the connection between midfield and attack was inconsistent at best.
Standout Players:
- Gonzalo García: The teenager’s composed goal and relentless work rate marked him as a genuine prospect.
- Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal): The Moroccan goalkeeper was immense – calm under pressure and a hero with his penalty save.
- Federico Valverde: Madrid’s engine, but his missed penalty overshadowed an otherwise strong performance.
Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal were well-prepared. Their 4-4-2 off the ball transitioned fluidly into attack when needed. Players like Malcom and Neves posed a continuous threat, while Bounou’s leadership from the back kept them defensively solid.
The draw may have come as a surprise to many, but it underlined the growing strength of clubs outside of Europe in the Club World Cup. Al Hilal proved they are more than just representatives from the Saudi Pro League – they’re contenders.
Xabi Alonso’s first test as Real Madrid boss has highlighted both promise and problems. The emergence of Gonzalo García is a silver lining, but issues in defensive transitions and midfield creativity cannot be ignored. If Madrid are to lift the Club World Cup, swift tactical adjustments and sharper execution will be non-negotiable.
The Club World Cup has made one thing clear – reputation alone won’t win matches.
Ritik Chauhan is the editor and lead writer covering breaking news, analysis and updates from the world of football, WWE and UFC. With a background in digital marketing and a passion for sports journalism, he focuses on delivering timely, credible and engaging content that informs and entertains readers.
