FIFA Club World Cup: Bounou's heroics help Al-Hilal claim point off Real Madrid

Photo: Al-Hilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN)/X

Saudi giants Al-Hilal went toe-to-toe with Real Madrid in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debut on Wednesday and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero in a 1-1 draw to kick off action in Group H.

Bounou's massive penalty kick save from Federico Valverde's spot kick in second half stoppage time was the crucial moment that allowed Hilal to snatch a point at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. It appeared that Real were destined to escape with a victory after Hilal defender Mohammed Al Qahtani committed a foul in his penalty area but those hopes were dashed by one of several brilliant saves.

Bounou and Senegal center back Kalidou Koulibaly played the full match for Hilal, who came back after Gonzalo Garcia gave Real the lead in the 34th minute. Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves leveled from the penalty spot before halftime after Hilal arguably outperformed the Spanish giants.

But when Real proceeded to dominate the second half, Hilal needed all the help they could get from their goalkeeper and Bounou obliged. It took less than a minute after halftime for Bounou to be called into action and the Moroccan saved twice during a chaotic sequence in the Hilal penalty area.

Despite Real's second half dominance, however, it was Al-Hilal who earned a well-deserved point. The Saudi big spenders will now fully believe they can qualify for the knockout stages and will look to take the next step when they face Red Bull Salzburg on Sunday in Washington, DC. Real Madrid will clash with Mexico's Pachuca on the same day.