In a highly anticipated clash that marked the debut of two renowned coaches, Real Madrid and Al Hilal battled to a 1-1 draw in the opening round of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group H. The match took place on June 19, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, showcasing a tactical duel between Xabi Alonso, newly appointed at Real Madrid, and Simone Inzaghi, recently hired by Al Hilal.
The game unfolded in front of an eager crowd, with both teams eager to assert their dominance in a group that also includes CF Pachuca from Mexico and RB Salzburg from Austria. Recognized as favorites to top the group, Real Madrid and Al Hilal each earned a point from this tense encounter, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
Xabi Alonso, who took charge of Real Madrid just last month after a stellar coaching spell at Bayer Leverkusen where he led the team to an undefeated Bundesliga title and multiple domestic trophies, fielded a 4-3-3 formation. His attacking trio featured Vinicius Jr., Goncalo Garcia, and Rodrygo, while the midfield included Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Federico Valverde. On defense, Trent Alexander-Arnold, a summer acquisition from Liverpool, manned the right-back position, alongside center-backs Dean Haweison and García, with Thibaut Courtois guarding the net.
Al Hilal, under the leadership of Simone Inzaghi who recently departed Inter Milan after guiding them to a Serie A title and a UEFA Champions League final appearance, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Their squad boasted experienced European league players such as Malcom, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, João Cancelo, and goalkeeper Yassine Bono.
The match began with Al Hilal pressing early. Milinkovic-Savic’s left-footed shot from outside the box in the second minute was comfortably saved by Courtois, signaling their intent. At the 10-minute mark, Leonardo’s left-footed strike narrowly missed, and a potential goal by Roger in the 18th minute was disallowed for offside, keeping the scoreline level.
Real Madrid then stepped up their offensive efforts. Rodrygo’s curling left-footed attempt in the 32nd minute sailed just over the crossbar. Moments later, in the 34th minute, Real Madrid broke the deadlock. A swift counterattack saw Rodrygo deliver a precise cross into the box, which was expertly finished by Goncalo Garcia, giving the European giants the lead.
However, Al Hilal responded quickly. In the 39th minute, Marcos Leandro was fouled inside the penalty area by Raul Asensio, resulting in a penalty kick. Ruben Neves calmly converted from the spot in the 41st minute, leveling the score at 1-1. The first half ended with both sides locked in a competitive stalemate.
The second half saw immediate tactical adjustments. Alonso replaced Asensio with Arda Guler, who made an instant impact by hitting the crossbar with a volley in the first minute. Garcia, despite being substituted later, had a crucial headed chance saved by Bono, showcasing the goalkeeper’s vital role in keeping Al Hilal in the game.
Inzaghi responded with his own substitutions around the 19th and 31st minutes, introducing Al Qatani, Al Yami, and Kano to add fresh legs and maintain pressure. Real Madrid also rotated their squad, bringing on Diaz, Vazquez, Munoz, and Modric to bolster midfield and attack.
Despite several close calls, neither side could find the winning goal. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Real Madrid earned a penalty after Garcia was fouled, but Federico Valverde’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Bono diving to his left, preserving the draw. Garcia’s subsequent header was also denied by the Al Hilal goalkeeper, underscoring the intense defensive efforts from both teams.
The match was more than just a draw; it was a tactical showcase between two coaches embarking on new journeys. Inzaghi, who had only been at Al Hilal for a few weeks and managed just four training sessions, expressed confidence and optimism ahead of the game. At a pre-match press conference, he stated, "The team is adapting well to the new environment (USA). Miami is much hotter than Washington, where we stayed for a few days, but we will gladly accept this challenge." He also noted the competitive spirit of the tournament, saying, "The teams here fight fiercely. We also have passion and confidence, and we will do our best in the match." Reflecting on the challenge of facing Real Madrid, Inzaghi remarked, "It will certainly be a tough match against Real Madrid, but we are ready." He praised his squad’s balance and the blend of domestic and foreign talent, highlighting their readiness despite limited preparation time.
Alonso, meanwhile, faced scrutiny from Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez, who was seen displaying a displeased expression late in the game, reflecting the high expectations surrounding the club’s performance. Alonso’s side showed flashes of brilliance but also moments of defensive frailty, particularly in the late stages when Al Hilal’s counterattacks pressed hard.
This draw leaves both teams at one point apiece in Group H, with matches against CF Pachuca and RB Salzburg still to come. The competitive balance between the European powerhouse and the ambitious Saudi club sets an exciting tone for the rest of the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these two tacticians evolve their teams. Alonso’s Real Madrid is undergoing a transition after a less-than-stellar previous season, while Inzaghi’s Al Hilal is eager to assert itself on the global stage following a recent coaching change and a strong domestic campaign.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises more thrilling encounters as these teams seek to claim the top spot in Group H and advance further. For now, the tactical chess match between Alonso and Inzaghi has set a high bar, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.
