Real Madrid Held by Al Hilal in Alonso’s Managerial Debut

Shilpa Rajan July 7, 2025

Real Madrid began Xabi Alonso’s managerial era with a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal. The Spanish giants faced Asian giants in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The Los Blancos were dealing with a few injuries and had given chances to some of their youngsters. Despite showing some attacking brilliance, the Spanish side had to settle for a draw.

Valverde’s miss leads to a draw

Real Madrid knew that they were up against one of the best clubs from Asia. They were dealing with a lot of defensive injuries, and there was no Kylian Mbappe. Summer signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold started in the back four.

Al Hilal played under Simone Inzaghi for the first time in a competitive match. The Italian used eight foreign players to boost his starting 11. It was a good start for the Spanish team as they took the lead in the 34^th minute. Academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia scored his second goal for the senior team.

Real Madrid Let Lead Slip After Late Drama and Missed Penalty

Alonso’s men were heading into the second half with a narrow lead, but things changed towards the end. Raul Asencio conceded a penalty late in injury and stoppage time. Ruben Neves converted the spot kick to bring his side back into the game. Arda Guler came off the bench and struck the post immediately into the game.

Inzaghi’s team showed an impressive defensive display to stop Real Madrid. Later in injury time, another penalty was awarded, but this time it went in Madrid’s favour. Fede Valverde stepped up but former Sevilla keeper, Yassine Bounou, had some other ideas. He saved the penalty and both sides had to settle for a draw.

Manchester City start the campaign with a 2-0 win

Pep Guardiola’s team was up against Moroccan side Wydad AC in the opening encounter. City gave a debut to three summer signings. Ryan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders started in the centre of the midfield. 19-year-old arrival from Brazil, Vitor Reis, started in the heart of the defence.

Manchester City took just two minutes to take the lead. Phil Foden with a superb finish after the ball is saved by the keeper. City were trying to attack while Wydad AC were threatening on the counter. Later in the half, Phil Foden’s corner found Jeremy Doku on the far post. The Belgian was quick to react and reached the ball ahead of the defender.

The English club was not looking as impressive as it did under Pep. City were reduced to 10 men later in the match after Rico Lewis received a late red card. Pep’s team sealed the match and will face Juventus in the next match.

Juve take the lead in Group G

Al Ain and Juventus played against each other in the second group game. The Italian side struggled in the current season and needed a boost. However, it wasn’t easy against the UAE club.

Igor Tudor’s side came in with a lot of intent and scored four goals in the first 45. Another goal in the second half sealed the match 5-0 in Juve’s favour. They now lead the group ahead of Manchester City.