The two teams that have been the most European and Asian champions clashed at the start of Group H of the Club World Cup and did not disappoint...
Real Madrid and Al-Hilal drew 1-1 in the Miami sun, in a match that will be remembered for the debuts of two coaches - Xabi Alonso and Simone Inzaghi - as well as the first matches in the white jersey of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dino Huijsen.
Among the many stars on both sides, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, also known as Bono, became a hero, saving a penalty from Fede Valverde in the 92nd minute.
The Whites were practically non-existent for the first half hour of the game at the Hard Rock Stadium, and then they took the lead from the first real move. Alexander-Arnold won the ball and a lightning counterattack was completed by Rodrigo with an assist and Gonzalo Garcia with a slightly lucky goal.
Just a few minutes later, Al-Hilal equalized - Raul Asensio converted a penalty kick from Marcos Leonardo, and Ruben Neveš was safe from the penalty spot.
In the following minutes, Xabi Alonso tried with three defenders, Real played better, but Al-Hilal was not as good as during the first 45 minutes... Alonso's team had several chances, and then in the final minutes they got a great opportunity to score the first three points.
Bunu was the hero, and the biggest star of the evening was Luka Modrić - the football legend entered the game in the 84th minute, and the audience greeted his every contact with the ball with ovations.
The great maestro will leave Real after this World Cup and, at the age of 40, will play for Milan.
Bonus video:
