Real Madrid were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Youngster G. García gave Los Blancos an early lead in the 34th minute with a clinical finish, showcasing the depth of Madrid’s rising talent.
Al Hilal responded just seven minutes later, with Rúben Neves calmly converting a penalty in the 41st minute after a defensive lapse from the Spanish side. The goal brought the game level and shifted momentum briefly in favor of the Asian champions, who held their ground against the European powerhouse.
Despite Real Madrid dominating possession and creating more chances in the second half, Al Hilal’s solid defensive structure and disciplined performance kept the scoreline unchanged. Both teams now look ahead to their next fixtures, with group standings and knockout implications hanging in the balance.