TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD’S DREAM debut for Real Madrid was tempered by frustration as Al Hilal denied them victory in their Club World Cup opener.
The former Liverpool defender was included in the starting line-up at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium along with Dean Huijsen – a summer signing from Bournemouth – but they and their team-mates had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Asked about the experience afterwards, Alexander-Arnold told DAZN: “An incredible day. To have made a debut for Real Madrid is something, I think, almost every player dreams of, so to be able to achieve it is huge for me.
“Of course, there’s some disappointment in there to have not won the game. It’s the mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player, to want and expect to win every game that you playing, so disappointed not to do that.
“But there were a lot of positives, especially in the second half.”
The England international was warmly received by the Madrid fans as he played the opening 65 minutes, and thanked them for their support.
He added: “Incredible. I felt the support from the moment I signed with the club, to be honest. Absolutely sensational. Our fanbase is global, truly global, all over the world and you feel it every single day, the fans at training grounds and the hotel, all over social media as well.
“The support is incredible, so a huge thank you for that. Of course, we dominated the stands today as well, which was incredible. The support is truly amazing.”
If Alexander-Arnold’s debut was one of the talking points before the game, it was goalkeeper Bono who was Al Hilal’s hero as he saved a late penalty to deny the Spaniards victory.
The 34-year-old Morocco international kept out Federico Valverde’s stoppage-time spot-kick to ensure it finished all square in the Group H opener in what was a first game in charge for both Madrid boss Xabi Alonso and opposite number Simone Inzaghi.
Ruben Neves converted a 41st-minute penalty to cancel out Gonzalo Garcia’s opener, but his efforts would have counted for little had it not been for Bono’s heroics.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe is being treated in hospital in the US after suffering a stomach bug, the Spanish giants said on Thursday.
“Our player Kylian Mbappe is suffering from an acute case of gastroenteritis and has been admitted to hospital in order to undergo a series of tests and follow the appropriate course of treatment,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
French striker Mbappe missed Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, a 1-1 draw in Xabi Alonso’s first game at the helm.
Alonso said on Tuesday the 26-year-old forward had been “feeling a little better” after illness in the run up to the match in Miami.
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Alexander-Arnold buzzes over 'dream' Real Madrid debut despite disappointing result
LAST UPDATE | 19 Jun 2025
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD’S DREAM debut for Real Madrid was tempered by frustration as Al Hilal denied them victory in their Club World Cup opener.
The former Liverpool defender was included in the starting line-up at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium along with Dean Huijsen – a summer signing from Bournemouth – but they and their team-mates had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Asked about the experience afterwards, Alexander-Arnold told DAZN: “An incredible day. To have made a debut for Real Madrid is something, I think, almost every player dreams of, so to be able to achieve it is huge for me.
“Of course, there’s some disappointment in there to have not won the game. It’s the mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player, to want and expect to win every game that you playing, so disappointed not to do that.
“But there were a lot of positives, especially in the second half.”
The England international was warmly received by the Madrid fans as he played the opening 65 minutes, and thanked them for their support.
He added: “Incredible. I felt the support from the moment I signed with the club, to be honest. Absolutely sensational. Our fanbase is global, truly global, all over the world and you feel it every single day, the fans at training grounds and the hotel, all over social media as well.
“The support is incredible, so a huge thank you for that. Of course, we dominated the stands today as well, which was incredible. The support is truly amazing.”
If Alexander-Arnold’s debut was one of the talking points before the game, it was goalkeeper Bono who was Al Hilal’s hero as he saved a late penalty to deny the Spaniards victory.
The 34-year-old Morocco international kept out Federico Valverde’s stoppage-time spot-kick to ensure it finished all square in the Group H opener in what was a first game in charge for both Madrid boss Xabi Alonso and opposite number Simone Inzaghi.
Ruben Neves converted a 41st-minute penalty to cancel out Gonzalo Garcia’s opener, but his efforts would have counted for little had it not been for Bono’s heroics.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe is being treated in hospital in the US after suffering a stomach bug, the Spanish giants said on Thursday.
“Our player Kylian Mbappe is suffering from an acute case of gastroenteritis and has been admitted to hospital in order to undergo a series of tests and follow the appropriate course of treatment,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
French striker Mbappe missed Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, a 1-1 draw in Xabi Alonso’s first game at the helm.
Alonso said on Tuesday the 26-year-old forward had been “feeling a little better” after illness in the run up to the match in Miami.
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