Real Madrid's Club World Cup Streak Ends Under Xabi Alonso vs Al Hilal
Real Madrid's Club World Cup Streak Ends Under Xabi Alonso vs Al Hilal originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Real Madrid's debut in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup did not end as expected. They drew 1-1 against Al Hilal at the Hard Rock Stadium. Both teams ended with one point after the first matchday of the group.
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Real Madrid were the favorites ahead of the game and are among the top picks to win the Club World Cup this season.
Despite taking the lead in the first half, Al Hilal remained competitive against Los Blancos and found an equalizer. The Club World Cup has already produced shocking results, and this one is arguably one of the most surprising.
This was Xabi Alonso's first match as head coach of Real Madrid, and the result ended a streak in this competition that the club has held since 2000.
Al Hilal end Real Madrid CWC Winning Streak
Since 2000, Real Madrid has had a winning streak that has lasted until today. The Spanish giants won five Club World Cups and the Intercontinental Cup in 2002 and last year.
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Real Madrid's International Trophies since 2000
2002 Intercontinental Cup
2014 FIFA Club World Cup
2016 FIFA Club World Cup
2017 FIFA Club World Cup
2018 FIFA Club World Cup
2022 FIFA Club World Cup
2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup
Real Madrid took the lead in the 34th minute due to a lethal counter-attack started by Gonzalo Garcia. The 21-year-old scored in the box after receiving a great pass from Rodrygo on the right.
Al Hilal drew the game in the 41st minute thanks to a penalty converted by Ruben Neves. Raul Asencio caused the penalty after bringing down Al Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo.
Real Madrid had the chance to win the game due to a penalty given near the 90th minute. Federico Valverde's penalty was saved by Yassine Bounou.
Xabi Alonso Post-Match Interview
After his first game as coach for Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso explained what went wrong during the game. The coach spoke about the positives of the game despite the result.
Xabi Alonso: "I didn't like the first half. We were better in the second half, with more quality, more balance and faster. We improved in the second half. We were able to play in their half for much longer, had better chances, and controlled the game better. Of course, the principle will be to start building something."
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The Spaniard manager spoke about the short time he has spent with the team, but he shows optimism for what is to come.
Xabi Alonso: "I haven't spent much time with this team. In every game, we have to take advantage and learn from what we can improve on, and certainly every game will give us lessons to improve on."
An interesting take came from Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who explained that the team has yet to fully develop under the new instructions of Xabi Alonso.
He mentioned the team is still playing the same way they did under their former manager Carlo Ancelotti, but expects to see the team change soon.
Thibaut Courtois: "We still have Ancelotti's automatism, and that cannot be changed in four days. We needed to have more possession and not run so much after the ball. In the second half, we were better."
Xabi Alonso's Worrying Update on Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe was not part of the squad for Real Madrid's game today after not training yesterday due to a fever. The French star was expected to play today as he trained ahead of the game.
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With him missing out today, many wonder if he will be back for Real Madrid's next game on Sunday against Pachuca. Xabi Alonso gives a worrying update on the striker.
Xabi Alonso: "I don't know if Mbappe will be back for the next game. We'll see, he wasn't doing well in the last 2 days, he's sick."
Related: Why Kylian Mbappe May Not Play in Real Madrid's Club World Cup Debut
Related: Lionel Messi's Perfect Tournament Record at Risk Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
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