Gonzalo Garcia Scores on Debut, Valverde Misses Late Penalty
Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in their opening Group H fixture at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The match was filled with drama, debut goals, VAR controversy, and a last-gasp penalty miss that denied Los Blancos a winning start under new manager Xabi Alonso.
First Half: Garcia Scores, Neves Responds from the Spot
Al Hilal thought they had taken the lead early on when Renan Lodi’s goal was ruled out for offside, following a slick counterattack. Minutes later, Real Madrid debutant Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring in the 34th minute, finishing off a low cross from Rodrygo with a scrappy but effective strike — the ball ricocheting off his standing leg and into the net.
Just before halftime, Raul Asencio conceded a penalty after pulling down Marcos Leonardo in the box. Ruben Neves stepped up and calmly slotted home to level the score at 1-1 in the 41st minute
Second Half: Missed Chances and Late Drama
The second half saw both teams push for a winner. Arda Güler rattled the crossbar within a minute of coming on, while Al Hilal’s Marcos Leonardo and Malcom continued to threaten on the break. Real Madrid introduced Luka Modrić and Brahim Díaz to regain control, but Al Hilal’s defense, marshaled by Kalidou Koulibaly and Joao Cancelo, held firm.
In stoppage time (90+2), Madrid were awarded a penalty after Mohammed Alqahtani was adjudged to have fouled Garcia in the box. Federico Valverde stepped up but saw his effort brilliantly saved by Yassine Bounou, preserving the draw and earning Al Hilal a valuable point.
Key Stats:
- Possession: Real Madrid 53% – Al Hilal 47%
- Shots: Real Madrid 17 – Al Hilal 13
- Shots on Target: Real Madrid 7 – Al Hilal 2
- Corners: Real Madrid 4 – Al Hilal 6
- Player of the Match: Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid)
What’s Next?
- Real Madrid face CF Pachuca on June 22 in Charlotte.
- Al Hilal take on FC Salzburg in Washington, D.C.
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