Football/Real Madrid stumbles: 1-1 vs Al Hilal
Real Madrid failed to impress in Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut. Facing Al Hilal, the Spanish giants were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw. The frustration was even greater as Federico Valverde missed the chance to seal the win, failing to convert a late penalty.
Spanish media didn’t hold back. “Disappointment”, headlined Marca, while Mundo Deportivo also highlighted the frustrating start. For AS, the verdict is clear: “Xabi has work to do”. The performance showed little difference from the team’s form before the FIFA Club World Cup, with the same recurring weaknesses on display.
Meanwhile, all eyes were also on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was making his highly anticipated debut for Los Blancos. Unfortunately, the English fullback didn’t make much of an impact. Lacking chemistry with his new teammates, he struggled to find his rhythm. The Daily Mail described his first outing as “difficult”, and The Times noted that he was “busy defending with no real chance to display his legendary set-piece skills”.
For both Xabi Alonso and Alexander-Arnold, this first test in Madrid colours ended in frustration, and there’s clearly still work ahead to meet the club’s lofty expectations.
