Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Spain’s Real Madrid late Wednesday, in a result that felt like a victory for the Asian champions in their opening Group H match of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Real Madrid, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso, took the lead in the 34th minute through a strike by Gonzalo García. However, Al Hilal responded just seven minutes later when midfielder Rúben Neves converted a penalty in the 41st minute to level the score.
The dramatic encounter nearly tilted back in Madrid’s favor in the dying moments, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save in the final minute of regular time, denying a penalty attempt by Madrid captain Federico Valverde. The save preserved a valuable point for Al Hilal and marked a strong start under new head coach Simone Inzaghi, formerly of Inter Milan.
In the same group, Mexico’s Pachuca face Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg early Thursday.
Looking ahead, Al Hilal will next face Salzburg on Monday, while Real Madrid will take on Pachuca on the same day in the second round of group play.
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