Bounou Denies Madrid as Al-Hilal Hold Giants in Club World Cup Thriller
What a dramatic start to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Al-Hilal side in Miami. Under the scorching Florida sun, the tournament delivered one of its most memorable opening games, with all the ingredients of a classic: debutants, drama, heat, and a late penalty save that stole the spotlight.
This was Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut for Real Madrid, and while all eyes were on the Spanish legend’s new era, it was Al-Hilal’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, who took center stage. In the dying minutes of stoppage time, Bounou guessed correctly and saved Federico Valverde’s penalty, denying Madrid a late win and securing a precious point for the Saudi Arabian club.
Real had taken the lead through young forward Gonzalo Garcia, who stepped up in the absence of Kylian Mbappe, sidelined with illness. Garcia showed poise beyond his years with a well-taken goal in the 34th minute. But Al-Hilal responded with confidence. A clumsy defensive moment led to a penalty, and Ruben Neves made no mistake from the spot, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way.
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Despite an improved second-half performance from Madrid, their finishing touch remained elusive. Alexander-Arnold, making his Real Madrid debut, expressed pride in the moment but disappointment in the result. “It’s a dream to debut for this club,” he said, “but we expect to win every game, and we couldn’t do that today.”
Thibaut Courtois, always candid, acknowledged the slow start and the impact of the intense Miami heat. “We weren’t sharp in the first half. The rhythm was off, and we paid for it,” he noted, though he praised the second-half adjustments.
The atmosphere inside Hard Rock Stadium was electric, with a near-sellout crowd witnessing what felt like a true tournament battle. Al-Hilal didn’t just sit back—they created danger and matched Madrid technically and tactically, with head coach Simone Inzaghi orchestrating a composed, intelligent display. Leonardo could have even won it for the Saudis had he been more clinical.
Statistically, Madrid dominated with more shots and higher possession, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. This was about mentality, grit, and moments of brilliance—none more vital than Bounou’s last-gasp penalty save.
For Real Madrid, this result ends their 11-game winning streak at the Club World Cup, a run stretching back to the early 2000s. For Al-Hilal, it’s a statement of intent: they’re not just here to participate, they’re here to compete.
Madrid will face Pachuca next, while Al-Hilal meet Salzburg in a pivotal clash that could shape the outcome of Group H. There’s everything still to play for, and if this match was any indication, the 2025 Club World Cup is just getting started.
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