Real Madrid Fans Want Xabi Alonso Sell One Player After Al Hilal Draw

• Real Madrid began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal on June 18, 2025
• New signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen made their debut under new manager Xabi Alonso
• The result of sparked frustration among fans, with one player in particular coming under heavy criticism

Real Madrid fans have urged new manager Xabi Alonso to offload a player after their FIFA Club World Cup opener.

Los Blancos kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on June 18.

Real Madrid, Al-Hilal play to CWC draw

Xabi handed debuts to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, and it was Gonzalo Garcia who opened the scoring for the White Angels in the 34th minute.

However, Al-Hilal equalised before half-time through Ruben Neves' penalty, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Real Madrid had a golden opportunity to clinch victory late on, but Federico Valverde's spot kick was denied by goalkeeper Bono, per Sports Mole.

The Spanish giants had hoped to kick off their Club World Cup campaign with a victory, but the absence of Kylian Mbappe due to illness left a noticeable void in their attacking line.

Real Madrid fans call out Fran Garcia

Despite Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Aurelin Tchouameni all starting, it was left-back Fran Garcia who drew criticism from fans online, with many calling for his sale this summer.

Supporters bemoaned his defensive abilities and reckoned that he was the 'worst player on the pitch' at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, during the game on Wednesday.

YEN.com.gh has compiled some of their reactions below:

@Mike_RMCF wrote:

"Never seen a more obvious failed winger playing at LB than Fran Garcia, does not understand any aspect of defensive positioning whatsoever."

@da_real_jefe said:

"Fran can’t hack the pressure at the club. Scarily limited sadly. Hope Franco can become a big difference sooner than later."

A third added:

"Fran Garcia is the worst player on the pitch, this guy can’t remain at my club."

Another slammed:

"Fran Garcia needs to go, offers no offensive support, scared of going for tackles and can't even win headers."

Garcia to be replaced at Real Madrid?

Real Madrid have already recruited ahead of the 2025/26 season and remain in the market for new talent, with a left-back thought to be on Alonso's radar.

The Spanish powerhouse is said to be keen on signing Álvaro Carreras following his impressive stint with Portuguese giants Benfica.

The former Manchester United youngster has emerged as a top defensive target for Los Blancos after showcasing strong performances that caught the eye.

Real are reportedly eager to secure Carreras’ signature soon, with talks believed to be advancing, which could trigger a reshuffle at the Santiago Bernabéu.

To make room for the 21-year-old left-back, Real Madrid are understood to be considering the sale of either Ferland Mendy or Fran García this summer.

Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign continues on Sunday against Mexican outfit Pachuca, before a last group stage game against RB Salzburg on June 26.

Spanish media slams Real Madrid's Alexander-Arnold

YEN.com.gh also reported that Spanish media rated Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut for Real Madrid in their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal.

The former Liverpool right-back made his debut on June 18, but he was heavily criticised for a lack of vision and what many billed as costly mistakes.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh