Real Madrid 1-1 Al Hilal: Federico Valverde sees late penalty saved as Saudi Pro League side claim vital point in Club World Cup opener

Yassine Bounou saved Federico Valverde’s late penalty as four-time AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal earned a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Los Blancos took a first-half lead against the run of play as Gonzalo Garcia swiped home Rodrygo's low cross, only for Ruben Neves to equalise seven minutes later from the spot. 

A frantic second-half culminated in La Liga giants Real being awarded a 90th-minute penalty, after Mohammed Al-Qahtani was deemed to have fouled Garcia.

However, Valverde saw his spot-kick dramatically saved by Bounou.

It was a game of debuts, with both Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso and Al Hilal’s Simone Inzaghi taking charge of their respective sides for the first time. Meanwhile, Los Blancos starting line-up featured new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

Both sides were forced to settle for a point in their opening Group H encounter, with Alonso's men now turning their attention to a game against Mexican outfit Pachuca on Sunday, while Al Hilal prepare to meet RB Salzburg.  

Alexander-Arnold told Channel 5: "An amazing day to make my debut for Real Madrid. Almost what every player dreams of.

"Some disappointment to not have won the game. The mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player is to expect to win every game you're playing, but a lot of positives, especially in the second half."

On the support he added: "Incredible. I felt the support from the moment I signed for the club. Sensational.

"[It is] a fanbase that is truly global all over the world. You feel it every single day.

"A huge thank you for that. We dominated the stands today, which was incredible.

"The support was truly amazing.

"I think in the second half we kept the ball really well - that is what we lacked in the first half. In this heat, it is important to keep hold of the ball as best as you can.

"We were in and around their box a lot. It just wasn't meant to be.

"Nobody is to blame and we take the positives, and we have things we can work on.

"I am sure we will do that going into the next game."

On how long he had been learning Spanish he said: "A couple of months. It was something important that I had to do.

"It is important to show the intent that I want to embrace the culture and adapt as best as possible."

Al Hilal's Ruben Neves, speaking to Channel 5: "A very good game from us. They prepared well again and we showed it today.

"They scored a goal, and we knew at a moment they were very strong in the counter-attack.

"I think it was a fantastic performance from the team.

"A positive result. We are playing against one of the biggest teams in the world.

"Everyone saw we didn't come here to draw. We came here to win."

On Vinicius Jr. injury: "Yes, started some cramps. it was a really demanding game."

On the Real Madrid support in Miami, Alonso added: "Great support, great crowd. We are delighted with that."

XABI ALONSO ON AL HILAL DRAW
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, speaking to Channel 5: "I would say the first half was not as good as the second one.

"Every game we need to take positives and learn on what we can improve. Every game will give us lessons to keep improving."

It was a tremendous game, but one that featured only two goals, as Gonzalo Garcia's first half strike was cancelled out by Ruben Neves' spot kick.

Real, however, should have won it late on, but Federico Valverde saw his 90th minute penalty saved by Bono in the Al Hilal goal.

And that's all!

We're into the 99th minute here. The ball ricochets off several players, right into the path of Bono.

It's surely the last chance of the game... It's easily cleared. Surely that's it?

Huijsen whips in a brilliant ball to Garcia, who nods his effort directly at Bono in goal.

Garcia is named 'superior player of the match'. Meanwhile, it's all Real Madrid, as Al Hilal defend for their lives.

We're into the third minute of seven minutes of additional time.

Valverde steps up and... HAS HIS STRIKE SAVED!

Bono guesses the right way and parries the low strike away. It's probably what Al Hilal deserves.

Real have a penalty, while Al Qahtani receives a yellow card.

Garcia gets a hand in the mouth from Al Qahtani and the play is delayed while VAR takes a look, checking for a Real penalty.

It would be harsh on the Saudi side.

Every Modric touch is being greeted with a massive roar from the stands.

Real are starting to apply the pressure now.

The second corner is easily cleared, which leads Alonso to turn to Modric.

The Croatian star replaces Bellingham.

Meanwhile Al Halal's Lodi and Leonardo make way for Alharbi and Aljuwayr.

Guler whips an out swinger towards the head of Huijsen, but it's cleared and out for another corner.

Vinicius Jr is replaced by Munoz. The Brazil international was pretty anonymous.

Vazquez finds Bellingham just inside the box but the midfielder has the ball nicked off him.