Late penalty miss denies Real Madrid victory against Al-Hilal in Club World Cup opener

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in their FIFA Club World Cup opener in Miami, as Federico Valverde’s stoppage-time penalty miss denied the Spanish side a winning start under new manager Xabi Alonso.

The European champions took the lead in the 31st minute through youngster Gonzalo Garcia, who finished calmly over Yassine Bounou after a swift counterattack. However, Al-Hilal hit back four minutes before halftime when Ruben Neves converted a penalty awarded after Real defender Raul Asencio fouled Marcos Leonardo in the box.

The Saudi Pro League side, now under the guidance of former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi, impressed early on, dominating possession and creating several chances. Real Madrid, without star striker Kylian Mbappe, looked unconvincing in attack and vulnerable at the back despite the debut of Trent Alexander-Arnold and £50 million signing Dean Huijsen.

Substitute Arda Guler rattled the crossbar, and Garcia was again denied by a superb Bounou save, but the defining moment came in added time. Following a VAR review, Real were awarded a penalty after Mohammed Al-Qahtani handled the ball in the box. Valverde stepped up but saw his shot saved brilliantly by Bounou, capping a frustrating night for the Spanish giants.

Alexander-Arnold lasted 65 minutes in his first appearance for Real, who will now look to regroup ahead of their next match. The draw offered encouragement for Al-Hilal, who were denied a famous win by missed chances of their own.