'Couldn't have asked for more' - Inzaghi lauds Al Hilal after Real Madrid draw | OneFootball

New Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi was full of praise his players after they opened their FIFA Club World Cup account with an inspired draw against record winners Real Madrid.

The Roshn Saudi League club, who came into the expanded tournament off the back of a runner-up finish in the top flight, put in an excellent performance in Miami on Wednesday night in which, for large spells, they outplayed their illustrious rivals.

Al Hilal even responded to going a goal down – against the run of play – just after the half hour at the Hard Rock Stadium, when Gonzalo Garcia met Rodrygo’s low cross on the counter and bundled his finish past Yassine Bono.

However, Al Hilal were level not long after. Five minutes before half-time, Raul Asencio dragged down Marcos Leonardo in the Madrid penalty area and Ruben Neves coolly converted from the spot, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way.

Madrid, record five-time winners of the Club World Cup in its former guise, improved in the second half, and thought they’d won it late on only for Bono to brilliantly repel Federico Valverde's penalty in injury-time.

Making his debut in the Al Hilal dugout, Inzaghi paid tribute to his side for their heart and level of play as the former Inter Milan manager’s tenure began on a strong footing.

"It was a good match,” the Italian said. “Our team was very good and we organised ourselves and made a great match against Real Madrid.

"The lads played with great organisation and personality against what I consider one of the three strongest teams in the world. “I am happy and satisfied with the performance. I couldn't have asked for more from the players and we look forward to more in the future.”

The draw means Al Hilal concluded the opening matchday third in Group H, two points behind Austrians Red Bull Salzburg, who defeated Pachuca of Mexico 2-1 in Cincinnati. The 2023-24 RSL champions now travel to Washington, where they take on Salzburg on Sunday.

"Our team proved their character on the pitch,” Inzaghi said. “I have full confidence in the whole team; in fact, I saw a great performance in training.

“Playing against Real Madrid is a great moment, and I told the players this morning that they have to do their best on the pitch. It was an excellent match and an excellent beginning, and I think in the evaluation of recent form, no one expected that we would play in this way today."

On how Al Hilal’s fine display on the world stage represented a positive advert for the game in the Kingdom, Inzaghi said: "Saudi football is improving year after year; the infrastructure and the organisation is excellent in Saudi Arabia.

“I am lucky to train an excellent club and an excellent and successful technical staff. Saudi football is developing.”