Xabi Alonso in the dugout for the first time. The beginning of a new chapter for Real Madrid. The beginning was also great. They were the first to score in their opening match against Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup. They could even have had the laugh at the end. Real Madrid got a penalty in the last part of the match.
But the record European champions left the field in disappointment after Federico Valverde missed a penalty. Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yacine Bono was the hero of the game. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Real Madrid’s Club World Cup and the new coach’s start were shaky. This is the first time a Real coach has drawn in his first match since Rafael Benitez in 2015.
Both goals in Wednesday’s match at Miami Gardens in Florida came in the first half. Gonzalo Garcia put Real Madrid ahead in the 33rd minute. Ruben Neves equalized from a spot kick in the 41st minute.
The start was all Al-Hilal’s. They had 5 shots on goal in the first 10 minutes. The Saudi club scored in the 19th minute. However, Al-Hilal was denied a goal because Renan Lodhi was offside. Real went into the cooling break under pressure. And that played a major role in their comeback in the match.
Real Madrid had a great chance in the 32nd minute after the restart. Rodrigo’s long-range shot went just over the crossbar. A minute later, the goal. Gonzalo Garcia had a first-touch finish from Rodrigo’s pass. Then, in the 40th minute of the first half, Raul Asensio fouled Al-Hilal’s Leonardo in the D-box. Neves made it 1-1 with a successful spot kick.
Arda Guler could have scored in the first minute at the start of the second half. However, his shot hit the crossbar. Yassine Bono blocked Gonzalo Garcia’s header on the goal line shortly after.
In the 87th minute of the match, Al Hilal’s Fran Garcia was fouled in the D-box by the referee after checking the VAR and awarding a penalty. Valverde came to take the penalty; his weak shot was blocked by Bono.
Former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi started his journey at Al Hilal with this match. The Italian coach left Inter Milan’s coaching duties immediately after the Champions League final defeat. Although this result was quite disappointing compared to Xabi Alonso, Inzaghi can give himself a pass mark.
FAQ
When did Xabi Alonso make his debut as Real Madrid manager?
Xabi Alonso made his debut in a friendly match against Al-Hilal, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Was this Xabi Alonso’s first match in charge of Real Madrid?
Yes, this was his first official game on the sidelines as Real Madrid’s new head coach.
How did Real Madrid perform under Alonso in this game?
Real Madrid showed signs of promise under Alonso’s leadership, but the match ended in a draw, suggesting there’s room for improvement.
Was this match part of a tournament or a friendly?
The match was a friendly, likely part of pre-season preparations or an international tour.
What are expectations from Xabi Alonso this season?
Fans and analysts expect him to build a strong, attacking team and guide Real Madrid to domestic and European success.
