Xabi Alonso's Debut Ends in Frustrating 1-1 Draw for Real Madrid
It was a much-anticipated debut for Xabi Alonso at the helm of Real Madrid in the 2025 Club World Cup, but what unfolded at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami left many with mixed feelings. The match against Saudi side Al Hilal ended in a 1-1 draw — a result that both frustrated fans and highlighted the work ahead for this new chapter of the Madrid era.
The first half saw Real Madrid struggling to find their rhythm. Despite holding a slight edge in possession early on, the team was disjointed and lacked fluidity in the midfield. The buildup was slow, transitions were clumsy, and the tempo simply didn’t match the level expected from Los Blancos. However, a glimmer of hope came from young Gonzalo GarcÃa, the academy product who opened the scoring with a clever finish in the 33rd minute. His movement, energy, and relentless pressing were a standout, and he was undoubtedly Madrid’s brightest light.
Also Read:- Jeremy Allen White Becomes Bruce Springsteen in Powerful Biopic Trailer
- A Simple Scratch—How Rabies Took a Life and What We Must Learn
But Madrid’s lead was short-lived. Just seven minutes later, a questionable penalty conceded by Asencio allowed Ruben Neves to equalize for Al Hilal from the spot. From that moment, Madrid seemed rattled. Neves, a midfield maestro for the Saudi club, was everywhere — recovering balls, dictating play, and showcasing why he's become such a crucial figure for Al Hilal.
The second half saw a shift in intensity from Madrid. Arda Güler nearly changed the game with a thunderous shot off the crossbar, and Gonzalo came close to scoring again with a sharp header. Valverde had a chance to seal it from the penalty spot in the final moments, but Bono guessed correctly and denied the Uruguayan’s effort. It was the defining moment of the match, a missed opportunity that summed up Madrid’s night — a team trying hard but still far from cohesive.
Xabi Alonso admitted post-match that the first half was below par, though he was encouraged by the team’s improvement in the second 45. It’s still very early days for the new coach, and as he rightly pointed out, the remnants of Ancelotti’s system still linger. Implementing a new style, especially one as nuanced as Xabi’s, takes time — and patience.
Debuts for players like Huijsen and Trent were promising, with the former making the most defensive interventions for Madrid. The presence of veterans like Modric, who received a warm ovation when subbed on, was a reminder of the bridge between the past and the future that this team now straddles.
Ultimately, while the result was underwhelming, especially given Madrid’s 19 shots and 2.63 xG, it’s not a disaster. This was just the beginning. With two more matches in the group stage, Xabi and his men have time to build rhythm and cohesion. For now, Madrid fans must hold their nerves and give this new project the time it needs to take flight.
Read More:
0 Comments