Real Madrid tied 1-1 by Al-Ittihad

MADRID, July 27 (UPI) -- Hicham Aboucherouane's second-half goal lifted Al-Ittihad to a 1-1 tie Sunday with Real Madrid, which played for the first time at home with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid spent a record $133 million to acquire Ronaldo from Manchester United. A crowd of 80,000 was on hand when Real Madrid introduced the new player July 6.

Sunday's game in Madrid drew less than half that even though Ronaldo was inserted into the starting lineup.

Raul put Real Madrid up 1-0 in the 55th minute, converting a pass from Karim Benzema, another Real Madrid newcomer, from the penalty spot. But about 10 minutes later Aboucherouane evened the score when he headed in a free kick by Saleh al-Saqri.

Real Madrid next meets Liga de Quito Tuesday in Peace Cup play. Liga de Quito beat Al-Ittihad 3-1 on the opening day of the tournament.