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Al Hilal Hold Real Madrid to 1–1 Draw in Club World Cup 2025

Saudi champions Al Hilal stun fans with a gritty performance and late penalty save to draw European giants Real Madrid in their Club World Cup 2025 debut.

  • Publish date: Thursday، 19 June 2025 Reading time: two min read
Al Hilal Hold Real Madrid to 1–1 Draw in Club World Cup 2025

Al Hilal made a strong statement on their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 debut, forcing a 1–1 draw against Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid on Wednesday night at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Saudi Arabia’s top club impressed the crowd with high energy and tight defense, capped by a crucial stoppage-time penalty save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was the standout player of the night.

Real Madrid Score First—But Can’t Keep the Lead

Real Madrid took the lead in the 34th minute after Gonzalo Garcia redirected a low cross from Rodrygo. The ball took a deflection before slipping past Bounou, giving the La Liga side an early edge.

But Al Hilal responded fast. Just seven minutes later, Marcos Leonardo was fouled inside the box, earning a penalty. Ruben Neves stepped up and calmly equalized, sending Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois the wrong way.

Al Hilal Stay Aggressive, Madrid Hit the Crossbar

Earlier in the match, Al Hilal had already shown intent when Renan Lodi’s goal was ruled out for offside. In the second half, Real Madrid introduced young star Arda Güler, who nearly gave his team the lead with a thunderous strike that hit the crossbar moments after coming on.

Bounou’s Last-Minute Save Seals the Result

The match reached its most dramatic moment in stoppage time when Al Hilal’s Mohammed Al Qahtani conceded a penalty after a foul on Garcia. But Bounou came to the rescue, diving to his left to block Federico Valverde’s attempt and secure a well-earned point for the Saudi side.

Momentum Ahead for Al Hilal

With one point secured, Al Hilal now look ahead to their next group-stage clash as they aim for a spot in the knockout rounds of the newly expanded Club World Cup. Their solid debut performance, especially against one of Europe’s biggest clubs, shows they’re not just here to participate—they’re here to compete.

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