Real Madrid disappointed: Late penalty leads to Al-Hilal 1: 1!

Real Madrid disappointed: Late penalty leads to Al-Hilal 1: 1!

Hardrock-Stadium, Miami, USA - On June 19, 2025, the group H of Fifa-Klub World Championship in the USA with an exciting encounter between Real Madrid and Al-Hilal in the Hardrock-Stadium in Miami. The game ended with a tie of 1-1, after Real Madrid initially took the lead in the 34th minute through a goal from Gonzalo Garcia. However, Al-Hilal managed to compensate for in the 41st minute by a penalty from Rúben Neves.

In the first half, Al-Hilal had the better chances; Including a promising shot from Marcos Leonardo, who was just ahead. Real Madrid, under the direction of Xabi Alonso, who made his debut as a trainer, countered and scored the leadership. García used a pass from Rodrygo, which reinforced the rapidly growing tension in the stands.

The late drama

The compensation shortly before the half -time break hit Real Madrid unprepared. The penalty for Al-Hilal was imposed on Mohammed al-Qahtani after a foul and safely transformed by Neves. The final was particularly dramatic in added time when Federico Valverde received a penalty for Real Madrid. However, the ball was warded off by Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, which secured the draw and marked the end of a gripping encounter.

The second half brought less dramatic scenes, but both teams remained dangerous. Luka Modric deserves a special mention, who was substituted and received great applause because he had indicated to leave Real Madrid at the end of the tournament. Also a not recognized goal by Renan Lodi due to offside and the yellow card for Kalidou Koulibaly because of a foul game to Vinicius Jr.

New format of the Club World Cup

The FIFA Club World Championship, which will be held in a new format from 2025, now comprises 32 participating teams. This mode update, which is to take place every four years, replaces the previous system with seven teams, which has been held annually. The first edition in the new format takes place in the USA and aims to achieve a greater representation of various associations. Wikipedia reports that the new structure is implemented in the form of a group phase with subsequent K.-O. System, whereby the best teams of the groups are moving into the round of 16.

record winner of the competition is Real Madrid with 5 titles, while the last edition in the old 2023 format took place in Saudi Arabia. Among other things, the new regulation provides that Europe can provide 12 places, South America 6 places and the other continents of different number of participants. This is an important step for global distribution and competitiveness in international club football.