[**Real Madrid**](https://www.managingmadrid.com) **1-1 Al Hilal** _(García). Xabi starts with a draw._ Here is the immediate reaction to the game. Next: Player ratings, interviews and a podcast.
Xabi Alonso was here, and whilst many feel like this new Club World Cup tournament may just get in the way of a progressive summer - a tasty prize pot meant that it would gain the attention it was asking for. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen made their Real Madrid debuts, and Castilla hero Gonzalo García started up-front - keen to cement his first team place for next season. Kylian Mbappé was the notable absentee, as Fede Valverde captained the team in the States.
It takes time to implement an entire system, and establish yourself at the biggest club in the world. Time is what Xabi Alonso will need, as the first half was not a good watch. Al Hilal had a new coach as well, but they looked sharp, focused and played with real desire and intent. At times Real Madrid had no answer, but they did take the lead as Gonzalo García, Real Madrid’s best attacker in the first half - made his case for a first team place with a smart run and finish. Raúl Asencio halted that momentum, giving away a silly penalty which was easily scored to make it 1-1 at half-time.
The second half didn’t get much better, with the Saudi’s again outperforming Los Blancos and looking far more impressive. Raúl Asencio was dragged at half-time to make a bold statement by Alonso, and Vinícius Júnior joined him to the sound of boos from the crowd. This may have been the worst performance the Brazilian has ever given, but he was far from the only disappointing individual on show. Gonzalo García again was the man with all of the chances, other than an effort from Arda Güler hitting the bar. Real Madrid were given a lifeline with one minute to go, after VAR spotted a flailing arm in the area. Fede Valverde was the man to take it, and the Uruguayan hit a low penalty which was really well saved by the keeper. Gonzalo almost bagged the winner with seconds to go, but his header could not beat the keeper. The game finished 1-1, with Real Madrid play Mexican side Pachuca next on Sunday. Happy with this start?