Alonso denied by Al Hilal in Real debut as Spaniards spurn late penalty

Real Madrid draw 1-1 with Al Hilal in lively FIFA Club World Cup opener for the Spanish and Saudi giants in Miami.

Real Madrid laboured to a 1-1 draw against a spirited Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup as Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut failed to launch in Florida.

The 15-time European champions delivered only flashes of promise on Wednesday in searing Miami heat at a nearly sold-out Hard Rock Stadium.

Gonzalo Garcia, stepping in for the fever-stricken Kylian Mbappe, gave Real the lead in the 34th minute with a composed finish after a fine passing move on the right flank.

Portuguese international midfielder Ruben Neves levelled from the spot before halftime, stepped up and sent keeper Thibaut Courtois the wrong way, as Simone Inzaghi’s men showed defensive grit and enough attacking intent to rattle their illustrious opponents.