DUBAI: An impressive 1-1 draw by Al-Hilal against Spanish giants Real Madrid in the FIFA World Club Cup has drawn praise from football fans and media alike, with goalkeeper Yassine 鈥淏ono鈥� Bounou and captain Salem Al-Dawsari receiving particular attention.

Al-Dawsari caused a stir among the media, who recalled his heroics in scoring 萝莉视频鈥檚 winner against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while Bounou was a key player for Morocco who reached the semifinals in the same tournament.

There was also recognition of the role played by Simone Inzaghi, the new Al-Hilal coach, who took over the reins following his departure from UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan.

鈥淔or Al-Hilal, many foreign players who now play for the club have experience at top teams and stages of tournaments, like Manchester City and World Cup semifinals,鈥� wrote the Washington Post after the encounter at Hard Rock Stadium in Washington.

鈥淚nzaghi has made a big step after guiding Inter Milan to two Champions League finals, now stepping out of his comfort zone.鈥�

Al Jazeera said Real Madrid had labored to the 1-1 result draw against a spirited Al-Hilal and that 鈥淪imone Inzaghi鈥檚 men showed defensive grit and enough attacking intent to rattle their illustrious opponents.鈥�

The BBC compared the Al-Hilal coach鈥檚 debut to that of opposite number Xabi Alonso, saying: 鈥淚nzaghi will likely be the more satisfied, with his unfancied Al-Hilal side impressing and threatening to deliver a remarkable result even without a prolific marksman of their own, given Aleksandar Mitrovic was ruled out through injury.鈥�

It was on social media, however, that the impact of Al-Hilal鈥檚 performance reverberated most.

Many commenters highlighted the challenges posed by 33-year-old Al-Dawsari to Real Madrid debutant Trent Alexander Arnold, who was involved in one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer when he joined the Saudi club from Liverpool just weeks ago.

鈥淚 was raving about Salem Al-Dawsari during the Arabian Gulf Cup as one of the best players I have ever seen. An unbelievable talent and Real Madrid found that out for themselves,鈥� journalist David Rhys Williams wrote on X.

Seb Stafford-Bloor of The Athletic echoed the sentiments in his own tweet: 鈥淪alem Al-Dawsari is a super player 鈥� and he鈥檚 had an excellent half. Causing all kinds of problems down Real鈥檚 right.鈥�

One user said: 鈥淭rent getting dunked on by Salem Al-Dawsari,鈥� while another commented: 鈥淭rent getting cooked by Al-Dawsari.鈥� Others posted memes of the Al-Hilal player鈥檚 success in the head-to-head battle.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois praised Bounou after a stoppage-time penalty save against Frederico Valverde secured a precious point for Al-Hilal.

鈥淔ede has a very strong shot but he does not look at the keeper. Bounou moved early and could reach it. Bounou is good at penalties,鈥� said Courtois.

On X, @Medias24, with over 180,000 followers, said: 鈥淎 world-renowned drill specialist, Yassine Bounou, once again demonstrated his instincts against Real Madrid. Marca praises him, FIFA celebrates him, and the numbers confirm: the Moroccan goalkeeper has become a global icon.鈥�

Meanwhile Moroccan football account @MoroccanGrinta proudly tweeted: 鈥淧enalty in the 90th minute against Real Madrid? Not a problem when you have Yassine Bounou. The Atlas Lion delivers a masterclass and secures a crucial point for Al-Hilal.鈥�

Sports News Africa posted a video of Bounou鈥檚 save and said: 鈥淲e鈥檒l let you watch yet another save from the best African goalkeeper in history against the GREAT Real Madrid. Yassine Bounou鈥︹€�