Daijiworld Media Network- Miami

Miami, Jun 19: Spanish giants Real Madrid were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Saudi side Al-Hilal in Group H of the Club World Cup on Wednesday, as new coach Xabi Alonso’s debut saw late drama unfold at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.

Federico Valverde missed a stoppage-time penalty that could have sealed the win for Real, as Saudi goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero in front of 62,415 fans. Earlier, 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia gave Madrid the lead in the 33rd minute off a Rodrygo assist. But Al-Hilal responded before half-time, with Ruben Neves converting a penalty after a foul by Raul Asencio.

Xabi Alonso, who handed debuts to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, expressed mixed emotions post-match: “We had the control in the second half. The structure is coming together but we should’ve won.” Star forward Kylian Mbappe was missing due to injury.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City made a confident start to their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in Group G. Phil Foden scored within two minutes, capitalizing on a rebound, while Jeremy Doku doubled the lead before half-time from a Foden corner.

Despite a red card to youngster Rico Lewis late in the match, Guardiola was pleased. “Hot, humid conditions, but a good start. New players did well. We’ll rotate for the next game,” said Guardiola, as City prepare to face Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Group G’s Al Ain and Juventus were set to clash later in Washington, while Group H’s Pachuca faced Red Bull Salzburg in Cincinnati. The action intensifies on Thursday, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami taking on Porto and PSG clashing with Brazil’s Botafogo.