Xabi Alonso Faces a Challenging Task Ahead

Sweating under the heat and humidity of Miami, Real Madrid began their Club World Cup journey on Wednesday with a lacklustre draw against Al Hilal, marking the first blemish in the Xabi Alonso era. The Whites were outplayed in the first half by a more energetic and tactically astute opponent. Although they improved in the second half, they couldn't break down the wall erected by Simone Inzaghi's men to protect Bono. Not even a foolish penalty conceded by Alqahtani, who unnecessarily slapped Fran García in the area, could rescue the Chamartín side, as Bono guessed Valverde's intentions, maintaining a draw that left the Saudi Pro League runners-up more satisfied than their Spanish counterparts.

Real Madrid lacked freshness, having had little time to assimilate the new ideas Xabi Alonso is trying to implement. They arrived at the end of the season exhausted and still sorely miss a midfield compass to orchestrate play harmoniously, leaving forwards stranded. They were deprived of service in the first half, except for the move leading to Gonzalo's goal, quickly neutralised by Asencio's silly penalty on Marcos Leonardo, converted by Rúben Neves. The second half also lacked supply, descending into a series of interruptions that dashed the Whites' hopes of christening Xabi Alonso's debut with a deserved victory.

There was much anticipation to see the squad Xabi Alonso would choose for his first real test and how he would arrange his ranks. The Basque set up a 4-3-3 formation, giving debuts to his first reinforcements, Trent and Huijsen, in defence, and opted for a robust midfield. With Mbappé sidelined due to illness, Rodrygo and Vinicius provided samba on the flanks, complemented by Gonzalo, Castilla's 'killer'.

An alignment that sends several messages. Firstly, Rodrygo has the coach's favour, not just in words but in actions. It's up to the Brazilian to stop being the weakest link. Secondly, the hierarchy may not be as sacred as in the previous era, and the academy is valued. Time will confirm or refute these points.

Beyond these novelties, the Real Madrid that took to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami retained many elements from Ancelotti's era. A weak first half saw the Whites outpaced by Al Hilal in intensity and ideas during the opening half-hour. The Arab side frequently reached Courtois' area but lacked the precision to punish a Madrid side still lacking midfield solidity.

The hydration break came to Xabi Alonso's aid, with his instructions having an immediate effect. Rodrygo warned with a shot over the bar, and Gonzalo followed with a scuffed finish from the Brazilian's pass that wrong-footed Bono. However, Real Madrid's joy was short-lived as the referee turned Asencio's slight tug into a penalty. The centre-back's mild, unnecessary hold was dramatically emphasised by Marcos Leonardo, prompting Argentine Facundo Tello to point to the spot, from where Rúben Neves equalised, deceiving Courtois. An injustice that brought justice to Al Hilal's greater merits, who could have led at halftime if Salem Al Dawsari's wicked shot hadn't missed by inches.

Xabi Alonso noted his team's lack of fluidity and substituted Asencio at halftime for Arda Güler, who hit the crossbar immediately, prompting Tchouaméni to revert to an improvised centre-back role. The personnel change brought more dynamism to Real Madrid, who increased their aggression with and without the ball, activating Vinicius and Bellingham, previously unnoticed, and began tightening the screws on their opponent.

The match, however, lacked rhythm, sapped by Miami's heat and humidity, and a series of fouls hampered play. The players, exhausted, were just about managing to stay upright, with little concern for the spectacle in a match that highlighted Xabi Alonso's significant task ahead to revive a Real Madrid still showing few signs of life.