Real Madrid endured a shocker, drawing with Al-Hilal 1-1 in one of the worst performances in the recent history of the club (given the opponent, and the stage). Any club can have an off day, but a club with Real Madrid’s ambitions to be global champions, were embarrassed having the day they did. Xabi Alonso’s side had a disjointed attack against the Saudi superstar club, and failing to convert a late penalty kept them from securing 3 points in the opening match. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen had mixed debuts for the team in white while 21 year old Gonzalo Garcia, who replaced Kylian Mbappe, scored RMA’s only goal. On the bright side, Real did manage 7 shots on goal, and the penalty miss is not an expectation, but Al Hilal looked every bit their equals when it came to counterattacks, and this side looked well off of the best UEFA teams this tournament. Pachuca must win this game in a monumental to get out of the group, their defeat to Red Bull Salzburg after a late Salzburg goal was a disappointment. That match was interrupted by bad weather. Salomón Rondón and Pachuca looked like the better side for much of that match, but they have nothing to show for it. Facing RMA is a step above RBS, and though Pachuca will be fearless, I believe they will suffer the vengeance and wrath of Real Madrid. In December 2024 we saw this matchup, as Real Madrid’s attacking trio scored 3 and blanked Pachuca 3-0 in the intercontinental cup. Red Bull Salzburg vs Al-Hilal (Sunday in Washington D.C.)