Club World Cup 2025: Real Madrid Held to 1-1 Draw by Al Hilal in Opening Match

Spanish football giants Real Madrid opened their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Al Hilal on Wednesday evening.

The match saw the Saudi Pro League champions, Al Hilal, dominate the early stages, applying consistent pressure and creating promising chances to grab the opening goal.

However, it was Los Blancos who broke the deadlock. Young forward Gonzalo Garcia completed a well-constructed team move, finding the net to give Real Madrid the initial lead.

Al Hilal responded before halftime. A moment of defensive carelessness from Raul Asencio, who lost possession and resorted to tugging Marcos Leonardo’s shirt inside the box, forced the referee to award a penalty kick.

Ruben Neves, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star, confidently converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois the wrong way to level the score.

Real Madrid had a golden opportunity to snatch victory when they were awarded a penalty in the second half. But midfielder Federico Valverde saw his effort expertly saved by Al Hilal’s shot-stopper, Bono, ensuring both sides shared the points in the Group Stage of the Club World Cup 2025.