Club World Cup: Yassine Bounou frustrates Real Madrid

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Hilal in their Club World Cup opener. A frustrating stalemate. A performance that raises concerns. And one man changed everything: Yassine Bounou.

Missing Kylian Mbappé (ill), Madrid struggled to find their rhythm. Al Hilal dominated the first half and found the net—only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Shaken, Xabi Alonso's men finally responded: Gonzalo Garcia, starting in place of Mbappé, capped off a lightning-fast counterattack started by Valverde (34').

But Madrid's lead was short-lived. Seven minutes later, Ruben Neves converted from the penalty spot after Asencio fouled Marcos Leonardo. All square at halftime, 1-1.

The second half was scrappier, lacking real fluidity. Güler hit the crossbar just after coming on. Valverde was everywhere… until he made a costly mistake. In the dying seconds, Real Madrid won a penalty after Fran Garcia was fouled. The Uruguayan midfielder stepped up. But Bounou guessed right and made the save. Jubilation for the Saudis.

Al Hilal claim a historic point. Real, meanwhile, are left with doubts. Uninspired, imprecise, and sometimes shaky at the back, they'll need to react quickly. Without a star Mbappé and with a silent attack, Los Merengues are already causing concern.

Aliou Toundé |

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