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Real Madrid’s 2025 Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal ended in a 1-1 draw.
Xabi Alonso said that ‘everything takes time’. (AFP)
After Real Madrid’s opening match at the 2025 Club World Cup against Al Hilal ended in a draw, head coach Xabi Alonso reflected on the outcome, acknowledging his team “couldn’t find a balance” and was “lacking in several areas in the first period” both with and without the ball. Al Hilal came from behind to level the score with Real Madrid in their FIFA Club World Cup opener in Miami, where Yassine Bounou saved a late penalty taken by Federico Valverde. Both goals occurred towards the end of the first half.
Gonzalo Garcia gave Madrid the lead in the 34th minute, finishing off an impressive team move. Ruben Neves equalised from the penalty spot in the 41st minute. In the 90th minute, Alonso’s team had a chance to secure the win, but Bounou successfully saved Valverde’s penalty.
“The second half was considerably better than the first. We were lacking in several areas in the first period, both with and without the ball. We were losing the ball too quickly, we couldn’t find a balance. They’re things we have talked about but we took a while to get to grips with them. I’m pleased with the reaction at half-time,” said head coach Alonso, who was managing the club for the first time since his appointment last month.
“We managed to give the game a new look, change the pace a bit and find more players to bring the right rhythm and control to the play. That helped us get into good positions around the opposition’s box, adjust our press, and spend more time near their area. This is a process. Everything takes time. The first half wasn’t very good but we have to take the positives and learn from the negatives,” he added.
The match also featured debuts for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. Commenting on their performances, Alonso said, “First I’d like to congratulate them, because this is a big day for them. Making a Real Madrid debut will surely have an impact on them. I’m thrilled because they have that personality and they’ll be important players for us. Having them here will give us added quality.”
When asked if it was frustrating not to see the team’s recent training efforts materialise in the first half, Alonso responded, “It’s not frustration. We know this is going to take time. In fact, I saw a reaction in the second half. We started doing better at the things we’ve spoken about. Everything takes time, it’s about repetition until it sinks in.”
“We’ve been together for nine days, barely three training sessions, and this is a process. Of course, we have to get results because this is a competition, but we also want to learn and understand what we want to be,” he concluded.
Real Madrid, currently second in Group H, will face the Mexican club C.F. Pachuca in their next group game on June 23.
With IANS Inputs
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