Xabi Alonso’s highly anticipated debut as Real Madrid manager ended in frustration as Los Blancos were held to a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Spanish giants, playing without hospitalized superstar Kylian Mbappé, looked sluggish in the first half, were outplayed for long stretches, and ultimately failed to capitalize on their chances, raising early concerns about their ability to dominate this tournament without their talismanic forward.
From the first whistle, Inzaghi’s Al Hilal looked the sharper side, pressing high and disrupting Real Madrid’s buildup play, taking the ball from them for long periods. Alonso’s men, still adapting to their new manager’s system, struggled to find rhythm, with Vini Jr. and Rodrygo picking up where they left off with Carlo Ancelotti (far from good performances), and a midfield led by Fede Valverde completely disconnected from the strikers.
The breakthrough came against the run of play in the 34th minute, when 21-year-old academy product Gonzalo Garcia—starting in Mbappé’s place—got the ball into the net after a pass from Rodrygo.
Madrid’s advantage didn’t last long.
Seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded to Al Hilal after Raul Asencio was adjudged to have committed a controversial foul over Brazilian Marcos Leonardo inside the box. Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves stepped up and coolly converted, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way to level the score.
Madrid had many opportunities to win it—Arda Güler hit the post to kick off the second half, and Fede Valverde missed a penalty that could have given Real Madrid the win—their finishing just lacked the clinical edge that Mbappé usually provides.
Defensively, Alonso’s side looked vulnerable to counters, as one of the main assets of Xabi’s philosophy is to push the lines forward, with Al Hilal’s Malcom and Al-Dawsari causing constant problems down the flanks.
The biggest storyline heading into the match was the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who was hospitalized yesterday with acute gastroenteritis.
Good News is the French striker was released from the hospital hours ago and returned to the Real Madrid training complex. Kylian will continue with specific medical treatment for a gradual return to team activity, Real Madrid confirmed.
Last season’s top scorer with 42 goals, Mbappé’s pace, movement, and ruthless finishing were sorely missed against a disciplined Al Hilal backline.
Xabi Alonso’s Postgame Comments:
“Last couple of days he’s been really sick with a viral illness. We have to see how he improves”
About the team’s performance, Xabi added:
“Whoever thought things were going to be perfect was wrong, some things were going to work well, and there’s other things we have to keep working on”
With the group stage format in this year’s expanded Club World Cup, Madrid still has a strong chance to advance, but improvements are needed.
Key Concerns:
Silver Linings:
If Mbappé returns soon, Madrid remains one of the favorites—if he’s out longer, Alonso must find a way to unlock his Kylian-less attack before the knockout stages.
This wasn’t the dominant start the Real Madrid fans hoped for, but it’s a reminder that even the best teams can struggle when missing their most lethal weapon.
Could Xabi Alonso start fixing the issues quickly, or Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign will be shorter than expected? Time will tell.
For now, Los Merengues are preparing to play against Mexican side CF Pachuca next Sunday, a must-win to secure knockout qualification.
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