Real Madrid toiled to a 1-1 draw with a resolute Al‑Hilal in sweltering Miami on Wednesday, as Xabi Alonso’s managerial bow offered only glimpses of promise at a near‑capacity Hard Rock Stadium.
With Kylian Mbappé sidelined by fever, substitute Gonzalo García seized his chance, slotting home neatly to give the 15‑time European champions an early advantage.
But before the break, Al‑Hilal’s captain Rubén Neves calmly converted a penalty to level the score, after his side had already demonstrated the defensive resilience and counter‑attacking threat that would trouble Real all afternoon.
In the dying moments, Federico Valverde spurned a late spot‑kick, summing up a day when Madrid’s legs—and creativity—flagged under the oppressive heat and humidity.
Elsewhere in Group H, RB Salzburg and Pachuca lock horns later on Wednesday. Real Madrid return to action against Pachuca on Sunday, while Al‑Hilal face Salzburg in a potentially decisive encounter for a place in the knockout rounds.
