Renan Lodi’s disallowed goal ramps up pressure on Real Madrid against Al-Hilal
In Miami, Hard Rock Stadium hosted a thrilling clash between Real Madrid and Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 4 p.m. (Brasília time). With just 22 minutes played in the first half, the match has already seen high drama, including a disallowed goal by Al-Hilal’s Renan Lodi due to offside, piling pressure on the Spanish side. The game, marking the debut of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s coach and Simone Inzaghi leading Al-Hilal, remains ongoing, with the Saudis controlling possession and creating the better chances. Held in the United States, the tournament drew fans from both sides, packing the stands for a spectacle matching expectations.
The duel kicked off at a frenetic pace, with Al-Hilal quick to show their strength. In the first minute, Milinkovic-Savic tested Courtois with a long-range shot. The Saudi team, featuring Brazilians Renan Lodi, Malcom, and Marcos Leonardo, held possession and probed the flanks.
- Key moments so far:
- 1’ – Milinkovic-Savic shoots from distance, forcing Courtois to parry.
- 5’ – Asencio strikes from outside the box, but Bono saves comfortably.
- 14’ – Vini Jr. receives a yellow card for simulation after a challenge with Koulibaly.
- 18’ – Renan Lodi’s goal disallowed for offside after Al-Dawsari’s pass.
- 20’ – Gonzalo García wastes a chance, shooting weakly after Vini Jr.’s cross.
The match, so far, reflects tactical balance, with Al-Hilal slightly edging the playmaking.
Saudi dominance early on
Under Simone Inzaghi’s guidance, Al-Hilal adopted an attacking stance. Their lineup, boasting veterans like Rúben Neves and Koulibaly, allowed them to control the midfield early. Milinkovic-Savic, a standout, nearly scored at the start but was denied by Courtois. The Saudis passed patiently, seeking gaps in a disorganized Real Madrid defense.
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Conversely, Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm. With Vini Jr. and Rodrygo starting, the Spaniards leaned on speed but were stifled by Koulibaly and Tambakti’s tight marking. Their best chance came at 5 minutes when Asencio shot from distance, only for Bono to save. The crowd, filling Hard Rock Stadium, roared with every play, especially after Vini Jr.’s yellow card sparked protests.
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Pressure after disallowed goal
The defining moment came at 18 minutes when Renan Lodi found the net. Receiving a pass from Salem Al-Dawsari, the Brazilian left-back surged into the box and fired past Courtois. Celebrations were cut short by referee Facundo Tello, who signaled offside. The call sparked complaints from Al-Hilal, who saw the disallowed goal as a missed chance to take the lead.
The decision intensified pressure on Real Madrid, met with boos from opposing fans. Al-Hilal gained momentum, pushing forward. Marcos Leonardo, formerly of Santos, nearly scored at 9 minutes but misfired after Al-Dawsari’s cross. The Saudis also capitalized on Real Madrid’s sloppy ball-playing, like when Koulibaly nearly gifted possession to Gonzalo García but recovered in time.
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Timeline of key plays
The match, up to 22 minutes, featured intense moments and clear scoring chances. Below are the main plays shaping the game:
- 1’: Milinkovic-Savic shoots from outside the box, with Courtois making a strong save.
- 3’: Rúben Neves tries a long shot, but it sails wide.
- 5’: Asencio’s effort from distance is caught by Bono.
- 9’: Marcos Leonardo squanders a chance after Al-Dawsari’s cross.
- 18’: Renan Lodi scores, but the goal is ruled out for offside.
These moments highlight Al-Hilal’s aggression and Real Madrid’s struggle to settle. The game remains open, with both teams chasing the opening goal.
Debuts and absences at Real Madrid
Real Madrid fielded a revamped squad. Xabi Alonso, in his first game as coach, started newcomers Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. The absence of Mbappé, sidelined by fever, was a major blow. The French striker, a key figure, wasn’t even on the bench, leaving Vini Jr. and Rodrygo to shoulder the attack.
The Madrid faithful, out in force in Miami, showed support but also concern over the team’s lack of cohesion. Éder Militão, another Brazilian, watched from the stands, still recovering from injury. Alexander-Arnold’s debut, after leaving Liverpool, generated buzz, but the right-back has been quiet, struggling to contain Renan Lodi’s runs.
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Al-Hilal’s Brazilian flair
For Al-Hilal, Brazilians Renan Lodi, Malcom, and Marcos Leonardo started, bringing technical quality and pace. Lodi, in particular, shone with his left-flank movement, culminating in the disallowed goal. Malcom, ex-Corinthians, was active in build-up play, aiding offensive moves.
Simone Inzaghi, who joined Al-Hilal after leaving Inter Milan, opted for a balanced setup, with Rúben Neves and Milinkovic-Savic controlling the midfield. The Saudi side, bolstered by heavy investment, displayed tactical discipline and boldness, challenging Real Madrid’s favored status.
Tactical balance and stats
Up to 22 minutes, the stats show a tight contest. Al-Hilal held 49% possession against Real Madrid’s 51% but outshot their opponents (5 to 1). The Saudis also committed fewer fouls (2 vs. 5) and faced a critical offside call that nullified Lodi’s goal.
- Game numbers so far:
- Shots: Al-Hilal 5, Real Madrid 1.
- Possession: Al-Hilal 49%, Real Madrid 51%.
- Fouls: Al-Hilal 2, Real Madrid 5.
- Yellow cards: Real Madrid 1 (Vini Jr.), Al-Hilal 0.
- Saves: Courtois 2, Bono 1.
The match continues, with Al-Hilal pressing and Real Madrid looking to regroup to avoid an upset in their debut.