Real Madrid's Club World Cup Streak Ends Under Xabi Alonso vs Al Hilal

Al Hilal drew the game in the 41st minute thanks to a penalty converted by Ruben Neves. Raul Asencio caused the penalty after bringing down Al Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo.

Real Madrid had the chance to win the game due to a penalty given near the 90th minute. Federico Valverde's penalty was saved by Yassine Bounou.

Xabi Alonso Post-Match Interview

After his first game as coach for Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso explained what went wrong during the game. The coach spoke about the positives of the game despite the result.

Xabi Alonso: "I didn't like the first half. We were better in the second half, with more quality, more balance and faster. We improved in the second half. We were able to play in their half for much longer, had better chances, and controlled the game better. Of course, the principle will be to start building something."

The Spaniard manager spoke about the short time he has spent with the team, but he shows optimism for what is to come.

Xabi Alonso: "I haven't spent much time with this team. In every game, we have to take advantage and learn from what we can improve on, and certainly every game will give us lessons to improve on."

An interesting take came from Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who explained that the team has yet to fully develop under the new instructions of Xabi Alonso. 

He mentioned the team is still playing the same way they did under their former manager Carlo Ancelotti, but expects to see the team change soon.

Thibaut Courtois: "We still have Ancelotti’s automatism, and that cannot be changed in four days. We needed to have more possession and not run so much after the ball. In the second half, we were better."

Xabi Alonso's Worrying Update on Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe was not part of the squad for Real Madrid's game today after not training yesterday due to a fever. The French star was expected to play today as he trained ahead of the game.

With him missing out today, many wonder if he will be back for Real Madrid's next game on Sunday against Pachuca. Xabi Alonso gives a worrying update on the striker.

Xabi Alonso: "I don't know if Mbappe will be back for the next game. We'll see, he wasn't doing well in the last 2 days, he's sick."