Mixed start for Trent Alexander-Arnold as Real Madrid debut ends in frustration

The England international's first outing in white ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Al Hilal at the Club World Cup, as Real were denied a late win when Federico Valverde's stoppage-time penalty was superbly saved by Yassine Bounou.

It was a night of highs and growing pains for Alexander-Arnold, who showed flashes of quality but also endured a challenging first half, repeatedly tested by the electric Salem Al-Dawsari. Wearing the No. 12 shirt and positioned in an unfamiliar hybrid role, the former Liverpool man struggled to find his rhythm early on, though his second-half contributions hinted at what's to come.

Real Madrid had taken the lead against the run of play through 20-year-old academy product Gonzalo Garcia, stepping in for the unwell Kylian Mbappe. The youngster finished a sweeping move started by Rodrygo, slotting home after a sharp counter-attack. But Al Hilal, under the guidance of new manager Simone Inzaghi and boasting names like Joao Cancelo and Kalidou Koulibaly, deservedly leveled through Ruben Neves' penalty, after Marcos Leonardo was fouled in the box.

A late twist almost handed Xabi Alonso a debut win in the Madrid dugout when VAR flagged a foul on Fran Garcia, gifting Valverde a chance from the spot. But Bounou read the strike perfectly, diving low to keep Al Hilal level - and their fans in raptures.

Still, there were signs of promise. Alexander-Arnold, who switched inside at times, grew into the game and led all players in crosses (5) and passes into the final third (12) before being replaced in the 65th minute. His best moment came after the break, slicing the field open with a trademark diagonal that launched a double chance for Arda Guler and Garcia, the former hitting the bar.

Speaking after the match, Alexander-Arnold remained upbeat.

"It's an incredible day," he told Channel 5. "To wear this shirt is something almost every footballer dreams of. Sure, we're disappointed not to get the win, but there were a lot of positives - especially how we played in the second half."

Despite the defensive frailties, his attitude was all Real Madrid - focus, ambition, and no excuses.

"The mentality here is about winning every game. We didn't do that tonight, but the support, the atmosphere, everything about today was special."

Manager Xabi Alonso echoed that view, praising his team's improved second-half showing:

"We weren't at our best early on, but we adapted. These games offer lessons - tonight was one of them."

Madrid now turn their attention to Sunday's meeting with Mexican side Pachuca. They'll close their Group H campaign against Red Bull Salzburg early Friday morning.

As for Alexander-Arnold, it's clear his story in Spain is just beginning. He's learning the language, embracing the culture, and - despite the rocky start - already showing glimpses of the world-class player Real signed him to be.

"It's important to show I want to be part of this club, this culture," he added. "I've been learning Spanish for a couple of months now. I want to do things the right way." 

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