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Real Madrid vs Al-Hilal LIVE: Trent Alexander-Arnold hooked on debut as Real held to draw in Club World Cup
Real Madrid 1-1 Al-Hilal: Alexander-Arnold’s debut for Real Madrid ended after 65 minutes
Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw in their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen made their debuts for the club.
Los Blancos took the lead in the first half through a lightning counter attack finished off by Gonzalo Garcia, but were pegged back before the break as Ruben Neves fired home from the spot.
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Al-Hilal were good value for the scoreline and looked on course for a deserved draw, only for Real to be awarded a 90th-minute penalty after Fran Garcia was caught in the face by a flailing arm.
However, Federico Valverde blew the chance to snatch a winner as his spot-kick was saved by Bono, denying Xabi Alonso a winning start as Real Madrid boss and ensuring a statement result for the Saudi club.
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Next up for Real Madrid
RB Salzburg and Pachuca meet in the other Group H fixture later on Wednesday, and Real will then face the Mexican side on Sunday.
Al-Hilal will meanwhile take on Salzburg in what could prove a decisive clash for qualification to the knockout stage.
Ruben Neves reflects on a hard-fought draw
"A very good game from us,” Neves told Channel 5. “They prepared well again and we showed it today.
"They scored a goal, and we knew at a moment they were very strong in the counter-attack.
"I think it was a fantastic performance from the team. A positive result. We are playing against one of the biggest teams in the world.
"Everyone saw we didn't come here to draw. We came here to win."
Alexander-Arnold: 'A dream come true'
"After playing a game, it is hard to concentrate that much to speak Spanish,” Alexander-Arnold told Channel 5 after full-time.
"An amazing day to make my debut for Real Madrid. Almost what every player dreams of.
"Some disappointment to not have won the game. The mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player is to expect to win every game you're playing, but a lot of positives, especially in the second half."
Report: Real Madrid wilt in Miami heat as Al-Hilal steal thunder from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut
Real Madrid laboured to a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in their Club World Cup opener as the spirited Saudis stole thunder away from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut.
After a back and forth first half saw the sides enter the break level, Federico Valverde’s 90th-minute penalty miss meant Xabi Alonso did not get off to a dream winning start as Real boss.
Dean Huijsen also made his debut alongside Alexander-Arnold, who unlike the ex-Liverpool man completed the full game.
Full report below:
Real Madrid wilt in Miami heat as Al-Hilal steal thunder from Trent’s debut
Xabi Alonso on his first game in charge at Real Madrid
"I would say the first half was not as good as the second one,” he told Channel 5.
"Every game we need to take positives and learn on what we can improve. Every game will give us lessons to keep improving."
The Spaniard also confirmed he subbed Vinicius Jr due to cramps.
Did Valverde's missed penalty serve justice?
The awarding of Real Madrid’s late penalty was very harsh - there was no intent for Al-Qahtani to strike Garcia in the face.
It would’ve felt unjust if that was the incident what denied Al-Hilal a deserved draw - so it was just as well that Valverde missed it.
Real Madrid held to draw by Al-Hilal in Club World Cup opener
FULL-TIME! Real Madrid 1-1 Al-Hilal
A frantic end to an entertaining clash as Al-Hilal produce a statement result to hold Real Madrid to a draw!
Ruben Neves’ penalty cancelled out Gonzalo Garcia’s opener in the first half, but Real blew the chance to win it as Federico Valverde’s 90th-minute spot-kick was saved.
Real Madrid 1-1 Al-Hilal
90+9 mins: Poor corner is cleared by Real before Ruben Neves has it taken off his toes just when he was about to let fly.
This has really opened up. Both teams are going for a late winner.
And up the other end, it’s Real who now have a corner.
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