# **LIVE: Real Madrid Held to 1-1 Draw by Al Hilal in Thrilling FIFA Club World Cup Clash**
**2 hours ago ● Al Jazeera**
In a stunning upset, **Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal** held 14-time European champions **Real Madrid** to a **1-1 draw** in a pulsating **FIFA Club World Cup** encounter. The match saw late drama, controversial refereeing decisions, and a gutsy defensive performance from the Asian champions that left Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded side frustrated.
## **⚽ Match Highlights & Key Moments**
### **First Half (0-0)**
– **8’** – Vinícius Jr. denied by brilliant Yassine Bounou save
– **23’** – Al Hilal’s Salem Al-Dawsari hits post with curling effort
– **37’** – Jude Bellingham yellow card for reckless challenge
### **Second Half (1-1)**
– **52’** ⚽ **[GOAL] 1-0 Real Madrid** – Rodrygo slots home after Toni Kroos through ball
– **67’** ❌ **[DISALLOWED]** – Karim Benzema goal ruled out for offside (VAR check)
– **79’** ⚽ **[GOAL] 1-1 Al Hilal** – Aleksandar Mitrović powers in header from Koulibaly cross
– **90+3’** – Andriy Lunin makes miracle save to deny Al-Dawsari winner
## **🔥 3 Major Talking Points**
### **1. Al Hilal’s Historic Performance**
The Saudi Pro League giants became the **first Asian team to avoid defeat against Real Madrid** in FIFA competitions. Their physicality and tactical discipline disrupted Madrid’s rhythm.
### **2. Real Madrid’s Wastefulness**
– 22 shots, only 5 on target
– Benzema & Vinícius missed 3 clear chances
– Midfield overload (Kroos+Modrić) left defense exposed
### **3. Controversial VAR Decisions**
– Benzema’s disallowed goal (marginal offside)
– No penalty given for Mitrović’s shirt pull on Rüdiger
– Al Hilal players booked for time-wasting (6 yellow cards)
## **📊 Match Stats**
| Metric | Real Madrid | Al Hilal |
|———|————|———-|
| Possession | 68% | 32% |
| Shots | 22 | 9 |
| On Target | 5 | 3 |
| Corners | 11 | 2 |
| Fouls | 14 | 19 |
## **🗣️ Post-Match Reactions**
### **Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid Manager)**
*”We controlled the game but lacked precision. Al Hilal defended with 10 players in the box. The Club World Cup is always tricky.”*
### **Aleksandar Mitrović (Al Hilal Scorer)**
*”This proves Saudi football is rising. We showed heart against the best club in history!”*
## **🌍 Tournament Implications**
– **Real Madrid** still top Group B on goal difference
– **Al Hilal** keep knockout hopes alive
– Next matches:
– **Feb 8** – Real Madrid vs. Auckland City
– **Feb 9** – Al Hilal vs. Al Ahly
## **📺 What’s Next?**
The **Club World Cup semifinals** begin on **February 12**, with Madrid likely needing a win against Auckland to guarantee progression.
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