Spanish giants denied victory as Ruben Neves and Bono help Al Hilal secure hard-fought draw in dramatic showdown
Real Madrid’s opening game at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup ended in frustration as the reigning UEFA Champions League holders were held to a 1–1 draw by Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal on Wednesday night. Despite taking an early lead through Gonzalo Garcia, Los Blancos were pegged back before halftime by a Ruben Neves penalty and later missed a second-half spot-kick that could have secured all three points.
The encounter, played under the lights at the Orlando City Stadium in the United States, was packed with intensity, tactical flair, and pivotal moments as both sides battled for supremacy in Group A of the global tournament.
Al Hilal Start Brightly, Madrid Strike First
Al Hilal, led by head coach Jorge Jesus, started the match with high energy and intent, pressing Real Madrid high up the pitch and creating a flurry of early chances. The Saudi champions looked fearless against the European heavyweights, with winger Malcom and striker Aleksandar Mitrović testing Thibaut Courtois with long-range efforts in the opening 15 minutes.
Despite Al Hilal’s aggressive start, it was Real Madrid who struck first. A beautifully orchestrated passing sequence down the right flank culminated in a smart low cross from Dani Carvajal, which was calmly slotted home by 20-year-old forward Gonzalo Garcia in the 28th minute. The goal was Garcia’s first for the senior team in a competitive fixture and showcased Madrid’s precision in transition.
The strike appeared to settle Madrid’s nerves and tilt the balance in their favor, but Al Hilal remained composed and continued to probe for an equalizer.
Defensive Error Gifts Al Hilal a Penalty
Their persistence paid off just before the halftime whistle. Real Madrid midfielder Raul Asencio, under pressure in his own half, was dispossessed and responded by tugging the shirt of Al Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo inside the box. Referee César Ramos had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Up stepped former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves, who made no mistake from 12 yards. The Portuguese international sent Courtois the wrong way with a cool finish to bring Al Hilal level in the 43rd minute, sending their supporters into raptures.
The goal injected belief into the Saudi side, while Madrid were left to regroup at the break following a moment of costly indecision.
Madrid Waste Second-Half Penalty
In the second half, Real Madrid increased the tempo in search of a winner. Gonzalo Garcia and Jude Bellingham both came close, with Bellingham’s looping header grazing the crossbar in the 56th minute. Their pressure was eventually rewarded when the referee awarded them a penalty in the 72nd minute after a handball inside the area.
Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde stepped up to take the kick, but Al Hilal goalkeeper Bono, formerly of Sevilla, guessed correctly and dived low to his right to parry away the effort. It was a decisive save that preserved the draw and capped off a heroic performance from the Moroccan shot-stopper.
Al Hilal then held firm for the remainder of the match, frustrating Madrid with disciplined defending and drawing applause for their tactical maturity.
Post-Match Reactions
Speaking after the match, Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged the difficulty of the contest and expressed disappointment at missed opportunities.
“We started well and created chances, but credit to Al Hilal—they played with intensity and deserved their point,” Alonso said. “We need to be more clinical, especially from the penalty spot.”
Al Hilal’s manager Jorge Jesus praised his side’s resilience and composure under pressure.
“We showed we can compete with the best. To come back against a team like Madrid is no small feat,” he noted. “Our goalkeeper Bono made the difference tonight.”
Gonzalo Garcia, who scored Madrid’s only goal, was named Man of the Match for his energetic display and calm finish. Speaking to reporters, the young forward described the result as “bittersweet.”
“I’m proud to score for this club at a major tournament,” Garcia said. “But we came here to win, and we know we can do better.”
What the Result Means
The draw leaves both teams with one point after their first group match in the 2025 Club World Cup. With just one team progressing automatically from the group stage, every match from here on becomes crucial.
Real Madrid will face Mexican side Pachuca in their next fixture on Sunday, while Al Hilal prepares to take on South American champions Fluminense. Both matches are expected to have high stakes, as goal difference could ultimately decide who advances.
Madrid, who are targeting their sixth Club World Cup title, will now have to sharpen their attack and tighten up defensively if they hope to progress and lift the trophy once again.
Spotlight on Saudi Football’s Rise
Wednesday night’s match also highlighted the increasing competitiveness of Saudi Arabian football, fueled by heavy investment in top-tier international players and experienced coaches. Al Hilal, who boast the likes of Neymar Jr., Ruben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly, are not just representing their club, but also the ambition of an entire league.
For Real Madrid, the result serves as a wake-up call. While Alonso’s youthful squad remains among the favorites to win the tournament, the margin for error is slim, and the challenge from emerging global clubs is stronger than ever.
