Luka Modric made a shocking statement after the match between Real Madrid and El Hilal: “The penalty should have been taken by Arda Güler, but everything changed very quickly.” Federico Valverde decided it all on his own!
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid’s opening match against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal ended in a 1-1 draw, sparking debate among fans and pundits. The match, played at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, saw Xabi Alonso make his debut as Real Madrid manager and was filled with intense moments, the most shocking of which was Federico Valverde’s missed penalty in added time that could have given Los Blancos the win. However, Luka Modric’s post-match revelation shocked the football world: the Croatian legend revealed that young star Arda Güler should have initially taken the crucial spot-kick, but Valverde decided to intervene at the last second.
The match itself was a tale of two halves. Al Hilal got off to a brilliant start and demonstrated the growing power of the Saudi Pro League. Marcos Leonardo almost opened the scoring in the 19th minute after a smart volley from Salem Aldawsari, whose shot went just wide. The Saudi team’s confidence paid off when Raúl Asencio’s clumsy challenge on Leonardo inside the box resulted in a penalty that Rubén Neves calmly converted to give Al Hilal a 1-0 lead. Real Madrid struggled to find any rhythm in the first half despite a star-studded squad, with debutant Trent Alexander-Arnold and the team’s midfield shattered by the scorching Miami heat.
Xabi Alonso’s halftime adjustments revitalized Real Madrid. The young Turkish playmaker, who replaced Asencio with Arda Güler, caused a stir just seconds into the second half, volleying a Vinicius Jr. cross off the post. Minutes later, Gonzalo García tested Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with a powerful header, but it was saved with a superb save. The pace shifted, and Real Madrid equalized through García, who capitalized on a well-worked move between Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham. At the start of the match, the two teams traded chances: Al Hilal’s Leonardo missed a golden opportunity, and Valverde sent a long-range shot just wide.
The decisive moment of the match came in the 90th minute, when a controversial VAR decision awarded Real Madrid a penalty after Mohammed Al-Qahtani’s arm inadvertently hit Fran García inside the box. With the tie and the chance to take all three points, the Hard Rock Stadium buzzed with anticipation. Fans, expecting the experienced Luka Modric to take charge, were surprised to see Federico Valverde enter the fray. The Uruguayan, known for his composure, took the penalty from the left, but Moroccan goalkeeper Bounou, with a history of heroics, read it perfectly and dived to save the ball, giving Al Hilal a vital point.
In the post-match press conference, Luka Modric, who came off the bench for Jude Bellingham, made some shocking remarks. “Arda [Güler] was going to take the penalty,” Modric said. “We had already talked about it and he was confident. But everything changed very quickly. Fede [Valverde] decided to take it and we trusted him. These things happen in football, but it’s a difficult moment for us.” Modric’s comments raised eyebrows as they highlighted the lack of clarity in Real Madrid’s penalty-taking hierarchy under Alonso’s new regime. Güler, who had a standout performance in the second half, was visibly frustrated on the touchline but declined to comment on the incident.
Valverde, for his part, has taken full responsibility for the missed goal. “I felt I could have scored and I wanted to help the team,” he declared. “It was my mistake and I will work to make up for it.” The Uruguayan’s decision to overturn the plan has sparked debate among fans, with some praising his leadership and others questioning Modric’s judgment, especially given that Güler claims to be the designated striker. The incident has also fueled speculation about the squad’s internal dynamics, especially with the Ballon d’Or winner and club legend Modric’s departure at the end of the tournament, and rumors of a move to AC Milan looming.
For Al Hilal, the draw was a clear statement of intent. Under new coach Simone Inzaghi, the Saudi side demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, and Bounou’s penalty save cemented his status as a key player. The result has increased the pressure on Real Madrid, who face a difficult Group H campaign and need to improve to defend their record-breaking six Club World Cup titles. As for Alonso, the draw and the penalty controversy mark an inconsistent start to his tenure, with doubts about his ability to unite the team.
The fallout from Modric’s revelation will undoubtedly dominate the headlines in the coming days. Was Valverde’s decision a bold one or a costly mistake? Should Guler, a rising star, be given a chance to shine? For now, Real Madrid must recover and focus on their next match, but the echoes of that dramatic night in Miami will remain with fans as they analyze the scenarios of a penalty that could have changed everything.
