A Rocky Beginning for Alonso's Real Madrid: Club World Cup Debut
Struggling Spirits for Alonso in His Real Premiere
Miami's bustling Hard Rock Stadium played host to Xabi Alonso's inaugural match as the new Real Madrid coach. However, his debut ended in a 1:1 draw against Al-Hilal, leaving the Basque tactician with a taste of the challenges ahead to lead Real back to the top.
Under the scorching Miami sun, the match witnessed the debut of a new face on the sideline—former Bayern Munich player Joao Cancelo, who now sported the colors of Al-Hilal. In front of 62,415 spectators, clad mostly in Real Madrid's famed white jerseys, Youngster Gonzalo Garcia fired the first shot for Real, scoring an electrifying counterattack goal (34'). Al-Hilal leveled the score via a 41st-minute penalty converted by Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves.
Despite a more assertive display after the interval, Al-Hilal dominated much of the game. In the 46th minute, substitute Arda Gucler rattled the crossbar for Real, introducing a note of apprehension for the spectators.
A Stuttering Start for Inzaghi's Al-Hilal
The hot Miami afternoon also marked Simone Inzaghi's first game on the Al-Hilal bench. Just 18 days prior, Inter Milan handed Inzaghi a crushing 0:5 defeat in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. With Al-Hilal, the team from the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, Inzaghi hoped to turn things around.
Alonso's presence on the sidelines piqued everyone's interest. He is perceived as the man who will restore glory to Real following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti. The team, however, wasn't at full strength, as star defender Antonio Rudiger remained sidelined due to a knee operation.
Real's other Group H opponents include Red Bull Salzburg and CF Pachuca from Mexico.
Debut Challenges and Future Prospects
The 1:1 draw against Al-Hilal does not reflect the full story of Alonso's debut match. In the dying moments of the game, Real had a chance to secure a victory through a penalty, but Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bonou saved Federico Valverde's shot (5'), making it an unforgettable moment for the Sierra Leone international.
The match showcased a tight, hard-fought battle, with Real unable to establish a definitive advantage despite their strength in numbers and tactical prowess. Despite the promise displayed by the team and Alonso's active role on the sidelines, the draw highlights the work ahead to achieve the new coach's goal of molding a fearsome, unbeatable unit for Real Madrid.
The draw against Al-Hilal was the first competitive outing for Alonso's team following his appointment on June 1, 2025. While the result can be daunting, it provides a valuable platform for Alonso to build upon his vision and secure future success for Real Madrid.
_[1] Real Madrid appoint Xabi Alonso as head coach, officially starting on June 1, 2025. [3] Fixtures set for 2025 Club World Cup, with Real Madrid facing Al-Hilal, Red Bull Salzburg, and CF Pachuca in Group H. [4] Al-Hilal retains star player Joao Cancelo following unsuccessful transfer to Bayern Munich. [5] Real's Federico Valverde witnesses penalty save by Al-Hilal's goalkeeper Yassine Bonou in Club World Cup draw.]
In the midst of his debut match as Real Madrid's head coach, Xabi Alonso faced off against Al-Hilal in the European-leagues' Laliga, a part of the 2025 Club World Cup. The match, despite ending in a 1:1 draw, showcased Alonso's active role on the sidelines and the team's potential to become an unbeatable unit.
With Real Madrid set to compete against Red Bull Salzburg and CF Pachuca in Group H, the draw against Al-Hilal serves as a valuable starting point for Alonso to build upon his vision and secure future success for the club in sports, particularly football.
