In the blistering Miami heat at nearly sold-out Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday, the 15-time European champions delivered only glimpses of promise.
In the 34th minute, Gonzalo Garcia gave Real the lead thanks to a fine passing move on the right flank followed by a fever-stricken Kylian Mbappe.
As Simone Inzaghi’s men showed defensive grit and enough attacking intent to rattle their illustrious opponents, Portugal international midfielder Ruben Neves levelled from the spot just before halftime.
Federico Valverde’s last-gasp missed penalty sums up a day in which Real’s legs and ideas wilted in the heat and humidity.
Under new coach Simone Inzaghi, defeat would have been difficult for Al Hilal. Before a VAR call, Madrid’s most successful team had its own chance to win at Hard Rock Stadium.
The second half did not perform as well as the first; Alonso praised his team’s performance with DAZN, the official broadcaster of the event, saying, “we improved and had better chances and control.”
We must take the lessons of each game so that we can improve. ”
Alonso continued, “It was a really demanding environment. It was a really hot environment. ”
Al Hilal made an early statement of its potential by standing up for itself against the Spanish power, despite Alonso’s underwhelming debut.
It could have been even better. In front of goal, Leonardo had three chances, but none of them came close. Al Hilal could have won had Aleksandar Mitrovic been healthy and presentable.
Later on Wednesday, RB Salzburg and Pachuca will play in the other Group H game.
On Sunday, Real will next face the Mexican side, while Al Hilal will take on Salzburg in a potential decisive match for knockout status.
Trent Alexander-Arnold started for Los Blancos for the first time since joining from Liverpool, and Alonso’s was not the only debut.
Every player who has made their Real Madrid debut is a dream come true, according to the England international defender, who told DAZN.
There is no denying that winning the game would have caused you to feel disappointed, as a real player does.
Although disappointed not to do that, the second half had many positive aspects.
In the heat of the second half, it’s best to hold on to the ball for as long as possible and let the other side do the running.
We scored crosses in the second half, made them sit deep, and fired shots. The late penalty was given, but it happened in football. ”
Before the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold confirmed his move to Real Madrid, revealing he would not be renewing his contract with his birthplace, Liverpool, the Premier League champion.
The 26-year-old added that the club’s size has already changed since moving to Real, adding that “we dominated the stands today, and the support was amazing. He said, “I felt the support from the moment I signed for the club.”
Source: Aljazeera
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