Reuters, RABAT, 8 February – Real Madrid defeated Al Ahly of Egypt 4-1 in Morocco to go to the Club World Cup final on Wednesday. Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, and Sergio Arribas all scored goals to assist their side win.
Despite missing many important players, including striker Karim Benzema and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid played in Rabat at the Prince Moulay Abdallah stadium.
Real Madrid supporters outnumbered Al Ahly supporters by a considerable majority in what was intended to be a neutral stadium, and Moroccan fans even erected a giant flag in favour of the Spanish powerhouses, producing an optimistic vibe and unusually loudness for a Club World Cup.
However, the Egyptians’ threat of a comeback and Al Ahly’s well-prepared defence made it tough for them to break the tie.
Vinicius missed a goal and Rodrygo struck the post in the 28th minute, but Real scored just before halftime.
Aliou Dieng made a weak pass that Mahmoud Metwaly intercepted, and Vinicius pressure led Dieng to lose possession of the ball. The Brazilian then dribbled a spectacular shot past the goalkeeper to score his 50th goal for Real Madrid in 202 appearances.
Valverde doubled Real’s advantage just before halftime by tapping the ball into an empty net after the goalie parried Rodrygo’s point-blank effort.
Defender Ali Maaloul converted the penalty.
Real’s Luka Modric missed a penalty three minutes before the conclusion of the game, but Rodrygo and substitute Arribas both scored close-range goals in injury time to give their team a comfortable victory. Al Ahly would have equalised had Afsha not missed a fantastic opportunity from close range.
Real will meet Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the final match on Saturday in Rabat, after overcoming South American champions Flamengo. 3-2 in the first semifinal.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti was told that we arrived well prepared to compete in the championship game.
“We are excited to play in the final game and do well. Even if we don’t have much time, we need to unwind. We need to get adequate sleep if we want to achieve.”
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