Real Madrid reached a record fifth Club World Cup final with a resounding 4-1 win over Al Ahly in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat.
African champions Al Ahly had their fair share of chances, but Madrid’s superior quality ensured they had enough to see them off and set up a date with Al-Hilal in Saturday’s final.
Madrid broke the deadlock with Vinicius Junior’s dinked finish in the 42nd minute, before Federico Valverde gave the Champions League winners a 2-0 lead just after the interval.
🙌 We are in the final! 🙌#ClubWC pic.twitter.com/V9TMOK6kfU
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 8, 2023
Al Ahly halved the arrears through Ali Maaloul’s penalty before Luka Modric saw a spot-kick of his own saved, but Rodrygo and Sergio Arribas got on the scoresheet in stoppage time to leave Madrid eyeing a record fifth world title.
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After a cagey opening that gave Al Ahly encouragement, opportunities flowed at both ends.
Mohamed Sherif and Mohamed Abdelmonem both went close for Al Ahly before Vinicius tested Mohamed El-Shenawy from a tight angle.
Rodrygo then hit the left-hand post from a similar situation soon after, but Madrid did net just prior to half-time.
Aliou Dieng’s pass gave Mahmoud Metwaly too much to do and Vinicius pounced, lifting an impudent finish over the approaching El-Shenawy.
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Valverde then showed great composure to score from close range after El-Shenawy parried Rodrygo’s effort less than two minutes into the second period.
Al Ahly soon had renewed hope, though, Maaloul coolly converting a spot-kick after a clumsy trip by Eduardo Camavinga on Hussein El Shahat.
Modric spurned the chance to restore Madrid’s two-goal lead with a penalty of his own towards the end, but his failure mattered little.
Rodrygo’s cheeky finish in stoppage time put the game beyond Al Ahly before Sergio Arribas found the bottom-right corner to open his account for the senior side.
