Real Madrid did not start their 2025 Club World Cup campaign with a victory, which was held to a 1-1 draw by Al Hilal. It also meant that Xabi Alonso could not win in his debut competition as the new head coach of the club.
It was not a good day for Real Madrid, and according to Diario ALS, Alonso gave his opinion about procedures when he spoke with the media after the game at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
“The game had a mix of everything. The result is a pity, in the second half we were much better. I didn't like the first half, it will help us to see what we should improve. In the second best we had more balance, we were better with the ball, we offered them more, but we miss the goal. I will take that.
“I know there are things to improve. That is just as there is. I saw a reaction in the second half. Everything takes time. There have only been three training sessions. The question of the result is there, but what we want to be takes time.”
Alonso spoke about debutants Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, while also giving an update about Kylian Mbappe, who missed Hilal due to illness.
“Dean has been very good and Trent went from less to more, just like everyone else. Happy for them. We have to see how Mbappe is developing, in the last two days he has been bad … We have to see how he is.”
It is clear that Real Madrid has to improve, they go far in the World Cup of Club. A victory over Pachuca will be essential this weekend for their hope for reaching the knockout phases.