MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup opening game will see them play without their top player, Kylian Mbappe.
The French World Cup winner has been unwell this week with a fever and will sit out Wednesday’s match against the Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal, which is set to kick off at 3 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium.
This contest marks a rematch of the 2023 Club World Cup final, where Real Madrid triumphed over Al-Hilal 5-3.
Both teams will be competing under new leadership: Xabi Alonso has taken over as the new head coach for Real Madrid, while Al-Hilal has appointed Simone Inzaghi, who recently guided Inter Milan to a Champions League final.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal encounter in the Club World Cup, and stay tuned for live updates.
Arda Güler strikes the crossbar with a left-footed attempt, which is followed by Gonzalo García’s header chance just after halftime in the 46th minute. The fans at Hard Rock Stadium erupted for both efforts, nearly resulting in a goal assisted by Vini Jr.
Salem Al-Dawsari narrowly misses a chance: Real Madrid cf 1, Al-Hilal 1
The captain of Al-Hilal nearly found the net just before halftime, squandering a chance that could have given his team the advantage.
Rúben Neves converts penalty kick: Real Madrid 1, Al-Hilal 1
In the 41st minute, Rúben Neves successfully converts a penalty, leveling the match just before halftime.
This opportunity arose after Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio fouled Al-Hilal’s Marcos Leonardo in the penalty area.
Gonzalo García scores: Real Madrid 1, Al-Hilal 0
Real Madrid has scored first in this match, with Gonzalo García finishing a pass from Rodrygo in the 34th minute. García, taking the place of Kylian Mbappe, capitalizes on his chance.
Rodrygo’s shot just sails over the net: Real Madrid 0, Al-Hilal 0
In the 33rd minute, Rodrygo came close to scoring, as his left-footed shot from the right side just skimmed over the crossbar.
Al-Hilal finds the net, but it’s offside: Real Madrid 0, Al-Hilal 0
Al-Hilal’s Renan Lodi would have scored in the 19th minute had he not been in an offside position.