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Spanish “Real” drew 1:1 with Saudi Arabian “Al-Hilal” in the first round of group H of the FIFA Club World Cup. The meeting was held in Miami Gardens, USA.
“Real” midfielder Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring in the 34th minute. In the 41st minute, Portuguese “Al-Hilal” defender Ruben Neves equalized the score by converting a penalty. In the second minute of added time, Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde failed to score from the penalty spot – his shot was blocked by Saudi Arabian team goalkeeper Yassin Bounou.
For both teams, this was the first match under new coaches. “Real” was led by Spaniard Xabi Alonso, who previously coached German “Bayer” Leverkusen, with whom he won the German championship in the 2023/24 season. “Al-Hilal” played its debut match under the leadership of Italian Simone Inzaghi. Previously, he led Milan's “Inter” for four seasons, with whom he won the Serie A title, two Italian Cups and three Italian Super Cups, and also reached the UEFA Champions League final twice.
In the second round of the group stage, “Real” will face Mexican Pachuca on June 22, while “Al-Hilal” will play against Austrian Salzburg on June 23.
The Club World Cup is being held for the first time with 32 teams participating, and the tournament will end on July 13.