Xabi Alonso's managerial debut and Trent Alexander-Arnold's playing debut for the 15-time European champions delivered flashes of promise but ultimately felt like an exhibition match.
Gonzalo Garcia, stepping in for the fever-stricken Kylian Mbappe, gave the Spanish giants an early lead with a composed finish, but Ruben Neves levelled from the spot before halftime.
A last-gasp missed penalty from Federico Valverde summed up a day when Real's legs, and ideas, wilted in the heat and humidity at a nearly sold-out Hard Rock Stadium.
"We know that things take time. We know that some things need to change," Alonso said.
"I saw a good reaction in the second half. We need good results here because it is a tough competition, but everything takes time."
In Washington, Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao both scored twice as Juventus thrashed Emirati club Al Ain 5-0.
Kolo Muani grabbed both of his goals in the first half, Conceicao scored either side of the break while Turkey forward Kenan Yildiz also found the net against the twice Asian champions.
Earlier on Wednesday in Philadelphia, Manchester City began their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca.
Despite fielding a second-string side, City needed less than two minutes to break the deadlock through Phil Foden.
Pep Guardiola's side doubled their advantage three minutes before halftime when Foden delivered a pinpoint corner and Jeremy Doku caught the Moroccan side's defence napping to volley home at the far post.
City finished with 10 men after Rico Lewis was given a straight red card for a nasty studs-up sliding tackle in the 88th minute.
"Rico is the person who never has intention to hurt anyone for his style of play," said Guardiola.
"It was unnecessary, honestly, the red card, but the referee had a different opinion and he's the boss. They checked VAR, so we accept it."
And after a 90-minute mid-game delay due to inclement weather in Cincinnati, Red Bull Salzburg scored a 2-1 victory over Mexico's Pachuca.
With The AP & PA.
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