Real Madrid 1 – Al-Hilal 1, a draw with a goal from Gonzalo (who was named MVP of the match). Xabi Alonso makes his debut as Real Madrid’s head coach with a draw, in a match that also saw the debuts of Trent and Huijsen.
Mbappé was unavailable due to the flu, and several players remain out: Rüdiger, Militão, Carvajal, Alaba, Camavinga, and Endrick. Gonzalo started and made the most of it, scoring after a good play that earned him the MVP award (he’s being called “Superior” at the tournament).
✍️ ¡Nuestro primer gol en este Mundial de Clubes lleva la firma de @gonzalo7garcia_! pic.twitter.com/tU1Hjhl3Ak
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 18, 2025
Al-Hilal proved stronger than people expected, giving Real Madrid a tough time, especially after Asensio’s penalty. Madrid had a chance to win it with a late penalty, but Fede Valverde missed it (by then, Rodrygo, Vinícius, and Bellingham were already off the pitch).
Madrid showed the same issues as throughout this season: most players were physically exhausted, even more so in the hot and humid climate. The 4-3-3 formation (same as Ancelotti’s) struggled defensively, lacking solidity. In the second half, Asensio was subbed off, Tchouaméni dropped deeper, and Arda Güler came on, which significantly improved the team.
Güler is making a strong case to be a starter, possibly replacing Rodrygo, who remains in poor form—though at least today he assisted Gonzalo’s goal. Vinícius is still off his game, out of shape, and arguing with the referee (he got booked for diving). On the bright side, Xabi Alonso reacts faster than Ancelotti, making changes when the players were visibly exhausted.
The team needs an attacking reinforcement, and it might even be time to consider moving on from Rodrygo or Vinícius (though that seems unlikely for now).