In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid’s opening match against Al Hilal ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, but it wasn’t just the result that grabbed headlines. The real shock came after the game, when Luka Modrić revealed that Federico Valverde had taken a crucial penalty that was supposed to be Arda Güler’s.
The game, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, marked Xabi Alonso’s debut as Real Madrid manager. Real Madrid struggled in the first half against a confident Al Hilal side. A foul by Raúl Asencio led to a penalty, which Rubén Neves converted to give the Saudi team a 1-0 lead. Despite the star-studded lineup, Madrid couldn’t find their rhythm early on, with Miami’s heat affecting their play.
Alonso’s halftime changes sparked a better second-half performance. Arda Güler nearly scored shortly after coming on, hitting the post from a Vinicius Jr. cross. Eventually, Gonzalo García equalized for Madrid after linking up with Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
But the most dramatic moment came in stoppage time when Madrid was awarded a penalty following a VAR review. While fans expected Modrić or Güler to step up, it was Valverde who took the shot—and missed, with Yassine Bounou making a key save.
After the match, Modrić said, “Arda was meant to take it. We had talked about it. But everything changed quickly, and Fede stepped up. We trusted him.” The unexpected decision revealed a lack of clarity in the team’s hierarchy under Alonso. Güler, who had a strong second half, was visibly frustrated but didn’t comment.
Valverde took responsibility, saying, “I believed I could score and wanted to help the team. It was my mistake.” His decision has sparked debate among fans, with some seeing leadership and others blaming poor judgment.
The situation raises further questions about the squad’s dynamics, especially with Modrić expected to leave the club after the tournament, possibly for AC Milan.
For Al Hilal, the draw was a major statement under new coach Simone Inzaghi. Bounou’s penalty save highlighted their strong defense and resolve.
As Real Madrid faces a tough Group H campaign, Alonso is under pressure. The controversial penalty and leadership questions have complicated his managerial start. Fans and pundits will continue to dissect the penalty incident as Real Madrid prepares for their next game—hoping this missed chance doesn’t haunt them.
