Al Hilal become the first non-European team to hold Real Madrid | OneFootball

On Wednesday, Al Hilal faced the mighty Real Madrid in the opening round of the Club World Cup group stage.

In a historic result, the Saudi Arabian side secured a 1–1 draw, becoming the first non-European team to avoid defeat against the Spanish giants since 2000.

The last time Real Madrid failed to beat a non-European opponent was on 27 November 2000, when they were defeated 2-1 by Boca Juniors in the Intercontinental Cup final.

On that occasion, the Argentine club struck twice within the opening five minutes through centre-forward Martín Palermo. Although Roberto Carlos pulled one back for Madrid, the comeback fell short.

Since that defeat, Real Madrid had gone on a flawless run against non-European sides, winning 12 consecutive matches. Their unbeaten streak included victories over clubs from Mexico, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and notably Al Hilal themselves in 2022.

That encounter in 2022 marked the first meeting between Real Madrid and Al Hilal, coming in the final of the Club World Cup. Madrid opened the scoring inside 20 minutes and, although Al Hilal responded, they never seriously threatened an upset. The match ended 5–3, with Vinícius Júnior, Fede Valverde, and Luciano Vietto each netting a brace.

Until Wednesday’s draw, Real Madrid had enjoyed a perfect record against Asian opposition, winning all seven of their previous encounters. These included matches against Al Nassr, Japan’s Kashima Antlers, and UAE clubs Al Ain and Al Jazira.

With one point apiece, Real Madrid and Al Hilal currently share second place in Group H of the Club World Cup. The group also features Austrian side RB Salzburg and Mexico’s Pachuca.

Real Madrid's matches against non-Europeans since 2000