Saudi giants Al-Hilal kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup Group H campaign in a bang, holding European giants Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw at Miamis Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday.
Real Madrid Castilla product Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring for Los Blancos in the 34th minute, while Al-Hilals Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves drew level from the spot four minutes before the break.
Al-Hilal, under new manager Simone Inzaghi, impressed by causing Real Madrids defense numerous problems before securing a surprising draw. The Blue Waves started energetically and nearly scored in the 19th minute when Salem Al-Dawsari volleyed back into the box, but Marcos Leonardos effort flew just wide.
Renan Lodi found the net for Al-Hilal, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Al-Dawsari, demonstrating his pace, dragged his shot just wide of the target.
As the match progressed, Real Madrid gradually gained control, with Rodrygo coming close in the 31st minute after he cut in from the right, but his left-footed effort zipped just over the bar.
Real Madrid Takes the Lead
Real Madrids quality began to shine through, and they took the lead in the 34th minute, when Gonzalo, filling in for the absent Kylian Mbappe, initiated a break from deep. A clever exchange of passes concluded with Rodrygo drilling a low ball into the box. Gonzalo, who continued his run, provided a delicate finish, showcasing Reals classic counter-attacking style.
Despite conceding, Al-Hilal maintained their enthusiasm and continued to press forward. Just four minutes before halftime, they drew level when Raul Asencio fouled Marcos Leonardo, with Neves calmly converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1.
Second Half Action
The dangerous Al-Dawsari, who previously scored the winner against Argentina in the World Cup, threatened again just before the break.
However, Real Madrid came out strongly after halftime, with Arda Guler, who was introduced at the break, rattled the bar with a volley from a Vinicius Jr. cross. Moments later, Gonzalo forced a fine save from Yassine Bounou with a firm header from a Vinicius cross.
Valverde then flashed a shot wide from 25 yards out, as Real Madrid sought to regain the lead, though, Al-Hilal began to test the Real defense again.
With three minutes remaining in normal time, Real Madrid had a chance to secure all three points when second-half substitute Mohammed Al-Qahtani was penalized for putting his hand in the face of Fran Garcia.
However, Valverde stepped up to take the penalty, but Bounou made a diving save, ensuring Al-Hilal earned a well-deserved point.
Al-Hilals performance against Real Madrid showcased their potential on the international stage since the draw marks a significant achievement for the Saudi club and highlights the competitive nature of the Club World Cup.
Up next, the Riyadh-based giants will gear up to face RB Salzburg of Australia on Monday, while Real Madrid will take on Mexico Pachuca a day earlier.
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