Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Asian giants Al Hilal in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The match marked the managerial debuts of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid and Simone Inzaghi at Al Hilal, and it took place in a packed Hard Rock Stadium.
Kylian Mbappé was unavailable for the match, but his replacement, Gonzalo García, stepped up impressively by scoring the opening goal for Los Blancos.
Al Hilal equalised through Portugal international and former Wolves midfielder Rúben Neves, who converted from the penalty spot.
The second half was a thrilling, end-to-end affair as both sides pushed for a winner. Real Madrid were awarded a last-minute penalty, but Federico Valverde’s effort was saved brilliantly by Morocco international Yassine Bounou.
After the match, Alonso told DAZN: “The first half was not as good as the second; we improved and had better chances and control. Every game, we need to take positives, we can learn and keep improving.”
Real Madrid will face Mexican side Pachuca in their next Club World Cup fixture.
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