Real Madrid 1-1 Al-Hilal: Trent Alexander-Arnold makes debut in Club World Cup draw in Xabi Alonso's first game
Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal
Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign commenced with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Al Hilal, a match that marked Trent Alexander-Arnold’s highly anticipated debut for the Spanish giants. The game, played in the sweltering Miami heat, culminated in a tense 92nd-minute penalty save by Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who thwarted Federico Valverde’s effort to deny new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso a victory in his first competitive outing. The result was a fair reflection of a contest that saw Al Hilal dominate early proceedings before Madrid rallied in the second half, showcasing their resilience and attacking quality. For Alexander-Arnold, wearing the unfamiliar No. 12 shirt, the match was a challenging yet promising introduction to life at the Bernabéu, as he navigated a torrid first half against Al Hilal’s Salem Al-Dawsari before growing into the game after the break. The draw set the stage for an intriguing group phase, with both teams demonstrating their credentials as serious contenders in the expanded 32-team tournament.
The match began with Al Hilal, under the stewardship of new manager Simone Inzaghi, asserting their authority through a high-pressing, dynamic approach that caught Real Madrid off guard. Al Hilal’s left winger, Salem Al-Dawsari, proved a constant thorn in Madrid’s side, exploiting the right flank where Alexander-Arnold was stationed. The Saudi side created a flurry of early chances, with Al-Dawsari’s pace and trickery exposing the debutant’s defensive vulnerabilities. In the first half, Al Hilal’s dominance was evident as they peppered Thibaut Courtois’s goal with attempts, including a near miss from Al-Dawsari in stoppage time that whistled just wide. The intensity of Al Hilal’s play, bolstered by the presence of experienced players like Joao Cancelo and Kalidou Koulibaly, seemed to surprise Madrid, who struggled to impose their usual rhythm. For Alexander-Arnold, the opening 45 minutes were a baptism of fire, as he found himself repeatedly tested by Al-Dawsari’s relentless runs and intricate footwork. A moment of relief came when Renan Lodi’s potential goal was disallowed for offside after Alexander-Arnold had lost possession, sparing the Englishman further scrutiny in a half where his defensive shortcomings were laid bare.
Despite Al Hilal’s early dominance, it was Real Madrid who struck first through a moment of brilliance on the counter-attack. With star striker Kylian Mbappé sidelined by illness, academy product Gonzalo Garcia stepped into the spotlight, starting in the Frenchman’s place and delivering a composed finish. The goal stemmed from a slick move initiated by Rodrygo, whose precise pass found Garcia in space. The young forward, demonstrating remarkable poise, slotted the ball past Bounou to hand Madrid an unexpected lead against the run of play. The goal was a testament to Madrid’s ability to capitalize on fleeting opportunities, a hallmark of their success under previous managers and a quality Alonso appears keen to preserve. For Garcia, the strike was a defining moment, announcing his arrival on the global stage and alleviating some of the pressure on a Madrid side that had been second-best for much of the first half. The lead, however, was short-lived, as Al Hilal responded with a deserved equalizer before the break. Ruben Neves, the former Wolves midfielder, converted a penalty with authority after Raul Asencio’s foul on Marcos Leonardo, restoring parity and reflecting Al Hilal’s superiority in the opening period.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Real Madrid emerge from the interval, spurred by Alonso’s tactical adjustments and a renewed sense of purpose. The introduction of substitute Arda Güler injected fresh energy into Madrid’s attack, and the Turkish playmaker nearly restored their lead within moments of the restart. Güler’s curling effort crashed against the crossbar, and Garcia’s follow-up header was directed too close to Bounou, who stood firm. The double chance signaled Madrid’s intent to seize control, and Alexander-Arnold began to showcase the qualities that prompted his high-profile move from Liverpool. The 26-year-old, drifting into midfield at times, displayed his vision with a trademark cross-field pass that released Vinicius Jr., setting up the sequence that led to Güler’s shot. Alexander-Arnold’s ability to influence the game from deeper positions highlighted his versatility, a trait Alonso is likely to harness as he seeks to integrate the full-back into Madrid’s fluid system. The Englishman’s growing confidence was further evident when he dribbled past an Al Hilal player in midfield, helping Madrid pin their opponents back before being substituted for Lucas Vázquez in the 65th minute.
As the match progressed, Real Madrid’s attacking triumvirate of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and the late substitute Luka Modrić—who is set to depart the club at the tournament’s conclusion—pushed relentlessly for a winner. Bellingham’s tireless running and Vinicius’s flair kept Al Hilal’s defense on edge, while Modrić’s cameo brought a touch of class and composure to Madrid’s midfield. Alonso also handed a debut to Dean Huijsen, the young defender recently signed from Bournemouth, signaling his intent to blend youth with experience in his squad rebuild. Despite their pressure, Madrid struggled to break down Al Hilal’s resolute backline, marshaled superbly by Koulibaly. The game appeared destined for a draw until a late VAR intervention awarded Madrid a penalty in the 92nd minute. Substitute Mohammed Al-Qahtani was penalized for a high arm that made contact with Fran García’s face, and Valverde stepped up to take the spot-kick. Bounou, however, read the Uruguayan’s intentions perfectly, diving to his right to parry the shot and secure a hard-earned point for Al Hilal. The save sparked wild celebrations among the Saudi side’s players and fans, while Valverde and his teammates were left to rue a missed opportunity to snatch victory.
For Alexander-Arnold, the match was a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities awaiting him at Real Madrid. His first-half struggles against Al-Dawsari underscored the defensive demands of his new role, particularly in a high-stakes tournament where every mistake is magnified. Yet his second-half contributions, particularly his incisive passing and forays into midfield, offered a glimpse of the transformative impact he could have in Alonso’s system. Speaking to Channel 5 post-match, Alexander-Arnold reflected on the experience with a mix of pride and determination. “It’s an incredible day,” he said. “It’s something almost every player dreams of. Of course, there is some disappointment not to have won the game. The mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player is to want and expect to win every game. But there were a lot of positives, especially in the second half.” His comments revealed a player acutely aware of the expectations at Madrid while embracing the learning curve of adapting to a new club and culture. When asked about the fervent support from Madrid’s global fanbase, he added, “Incredible. I felt the support from the moment I signed for the club. Sensational. The fanbase that is truly global all over the world. You feel it every single day. We dominated the stands today, which was incredible.”
Alexander-Arnold also touched on his efforts to integrate into Spanish life, noting that he had been learning the language for “a couple of months” to “embrace the culture and adapt as best as possible.” His commitment to immersing himself in his new environment bodes well for his long-term success at Madrid, where cultural fit is as important as on-field performance. On the tactical aspects of the game, he highlighted Madrid’s improved ball retention in the second half, a critical factor in the Miami heat. “We kept the ball really well—that is what we lacked in the first half,” he said. “In this heat, it is important to keep hold of the ball as best as you can. We were in and around their box a lot. It just wasn’t meant to be.” His analysis underscored the fine margins that defined the match, with Bounou’s heroics ultimately tipping the balance in Al Hilal’s favor.
The draw leaves Real Madrid with work to do in their subsequent group matches, as they aim to secure a favorable position in the knockout stages. For Alonso, the result was a sobering reminder of the challenges posed by well-drilled, ambitious sides like Al Hilal, who have invested heavily in their squad and coaching staff. The Spanish manager will likely use the game as a learning opportunity, fine-tuning his tactics and player selections ahead of Madrid’s next fixture. For Alexander-Arnold, the debut was a stepping stone, a chance to acclimate to the pressures of representing one of the world’s biggest clubs. As he continues to adapt, both on and off the pitch, the Englishman’s blend of vision, technique, and ambition could prove a defining factor in Real Madrid’s pursuit of Club World Cup glory.
