Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid Debut Highlights Struggles in 1–1 Draw
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Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid debut ended in frustration as Los Blancos were held to a 1–1 draw by Al-Hilal in their Club World Cup opener. The highly anticipated debut was anything but smooth, with the former Liverpool full-back struggling to find rhythm on both ends of the pitch. Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed early, as Al-Hilal’s fluid attacking movement consistently troubled the backline.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled in his Real Madrid debut during the Club World Cup opener
- Al-Hilal forced a 1–1 draw, ending Madrid’s 11-game win streak in the competition
- Gonzalo Garcia scored for Madrid before Ruben Neves equalized from the spot
- Madrid face Pachuca next in the group stage
Despite Madrid’s strong historical record in the Club World Cup, this match showcased glaring issues. Alexander-Arnold won just one of four ground duels, lost possession 12 times, and was substituted after 64 minutes. His inability to track overlapping runs was highlighted when Renan Lodi got in behind to score — a goal that was later disallowed for offside. The signs of concern were evident, with manager Xabi Alonso visibly frustrated on the sidelines.
Al-Hilal, returning to the tournament after a 25-year absence, seized the opportunity to impress under new boss Simone Inzaghi. They opened with aggressive pressing and crisp passing, making it difficult for Madrid to control proceedings. Still, it was Castilla talent Gonzalo Garcia who broke the deadlock for Madrid with a composed finish against the run of play.
The Saudi giants responded swiftly, earning a penalty through Raul Asencio’s foul, which Ruben Neves converted to level the match. Madrid had the chance to snatch victory when VAR awarded a late penalty, but Yassine Bounou denied Federico Valverde with a superb save. The result not only broke Madrid’s 11-match winning run in the competition but also raised questions about their squad cohesion ahead of the next fixture.
Next up, Madrid face a motivated Pachuca side, with defensive adjustments likely on the agenda. For those following tournament trajectories and tactical shifts, our LaLiga Predictions section offers real-time insight into Spanish teams’ momentum across competitions. As expectations rise, how Madrid — and LaLiga Predictions — evolve will be closely watched.
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