Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso makes debut at Club World Cup: What performance tells us about Los Blancos and boss
CBSN
Real Madrid drew 1-1 against Al-Hilal in the opening match of the new era under Xabi Alonso
New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso did not start his spell on a winning note thanks to Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bonou, who saved a penalty during added time in their 1-1 draw at the Club World Cup on Wednesday. Federico Valeverde saw his penalty saved down to his left, meaning the Spanish giants started off the new era under the former Bayer Leverkusen manager with a less-than-ideal result against the team coached by Simone Inzaghi.
The Saudi team had a much better first half, but despite having 11 shots (Real Madrid only had five in the opening 45 minutes), it was the side coached by Xabi Alonso who scored the opening goal with Gonzalo Garcia, who started alongside Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr., as Kylian Mbappe was benched, showing the Spanish manager has no fear of making changes and trusting the young players.
Here's what we have learned in the first 90 minutes of the new era under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid:
