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Real Madrid’s Stoppage-Time Penalty Heartbreak.
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Al-Hilal’s Vibrant Start Upsets the Champions.
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Inzaghi and Alonso Reflect on a Dramatic Debut.
Real Madrid’s fresh chapter under Xabi Alonso didn’t go as planned as “The Whites” were held by Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup on Wednesday 18.
Also Read: FIFA Club World Cup : Chelsea Edge LAFC 2-0 in Opener
In Miami, 62,415 fans witnessed a 1-1 draw against Simone Inzaghi’s men.
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You’d have thought the match winner was in the bag when Federico Valverde stepped up for a last-minute penalty.
Yet Yassine Bounou got down low and pushed it away to make Madrid’s hopes vanish in a flash.
Right from kick-off, Al-Hilal looked lively.
Salem Aldawsari fired a powerful volley, but it narrowly missed.
Shortly after, Renan Lodi thought he had scored, but the offside flag ended the jubilation.
Immediately after the break, Rodrygo dribbled past opponents and found Gonzalo Garcia, who easily tapped home after receiving a nice pass.
However, Los Blancos were kept silent seven minutes later.
Marcos Leonardo went down in the box, and Ruben Neves coolly converted the penalty to level matters.
After the break, Madrid’s Arda Guler rattled the bar, then both Gonzalo and Valverde unleashed long shots that tested Bounou.
But every time Madrid surged forward, Al-Hilal sat back and hit them on the break.
In the stoppage time, Fran Garcia of Al-Hilal drew another foul in the area—spot on for a second penalty.
Also Read: Alonso Hands Real Madrid’s Corner Duties to New Signing
Valverde tried again, but this time his effort lacked bite and landed straight into Bounou’s gloves.
Post-match, Simone Inzaghi was all smiles:
“We stood up to one of the world’s best teams.”
Meanwhile Alonso admitted:
“We lost our shape early on, but I’m happy with how we finished.”
What do you think? Did Valverde’s miss turn the tide? What are your thoughts about Alonso’s debut as well?
