)
Real Madrid would face Al-Hilal in the final of the of the Club World Cup after defeating Al-Ahly.
Real Madrid established their dominance late in the game as they powered past an Al-Ahly side that threatened to send the game into extra-time, scoring twice more to seal the game as they beat the Egyptian side 4-1.
The Complexe Sportif Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, Morocco, hosted Al-Ahly and Real Madrid, giants of African and European football, respectively. Real Madrid proved to be too strong for their opponents, as two late goals reflected the Spanish side's dominant display on the scoreline.
Real Madrid reach fifth final
Al-Ahly held their own in the opening exchanges, attempting shots that went wide of Andriy Lunin's goal, but it was Real Madrid who had the first great chance of the game when Rodrygo weaved past Al-Ahly's defence before his dink hit the crossbar.
Real Madrid would not be denied for too long as Vinicius pounced on a loose ball to finish past Mohammed El-Shanewy in goal for Al-Ahly with only three minutes to half-time. Real Madrid doubled their advantage just after returning from the break, as Federico Valverde fashioned space for himself before striking to put the European representatives two goals up in the 46th minute.
)
Real Madrid were cruising to victory before Eduardo Camavinga gave the Egyptian side a way back into the game by fouling El Shahat in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Ali Maaloul made no mistake in finishing past Lunin.
)
Al-Ahly came close to equalising but for Lunin's heroics, saving Taher Mohammed's header. Madrid turned on the heat and were handed a penalty of their own in the 85th minute, but El-Shanewy won the battle of nerves, denying Luka Modric.
The Egyptian shot-stopper could do nothing about Real Madrid's third as Rodrygo finished cleanly after showing impressive chemistry with Dani Ceballos in the build-up.
Youngster Sergio Aribas capped off the scoring in less than a minute after coming on in the 90+8th minute.
The win sends Real Madrid into their fifth final in the competition, while Al-Ahly get knocked out in their third consecutive semi-final.
Real Madrid shake off injury concerns
In a competition where the European representative is usually considered the heavy favourite, Real Madrid's injury concerns gave fans reason to be sceptical.
Real Madrid's inability to call on some of their big guns meant they went into the tussle with a half-loaded chamber.
Karim Benzema, Eder Militao, and Thibaut Courtois did not make the trip to Morocco due to injury, and earlier in the day, Marco Asensio was ruled out after he felt discomfort in training.
However, Madrid managed to shake off all concerns with a dominant display against the Egyptian Red Devils.
Related content
)
18:09 - 08.02.2023
CLUB WC Real Madrid suffer another casualty
Marco Asensio has been ruled out of the Club World Cup semi-final after he felt discomfort in his leg.
)
14:58 - 08.02.2023
TRANSFERS Real Madrid monitoring Haaland’s situation at Manchester City
The Norwegian could leave Manchester City in the summer, just a season after signing for the club.
)
12:09 - 07.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Real Madrid legend Raul rejects offer to become new Leeds manager
Raul Gonzalez has reportedly turned down the offer to succeed Jesse Marsch at Leeds United in favour of continuing at Real Madrid Castilla.
)
23:38 - 06.02.2023
CLUB WC Benzema, Courtois and Hazard missing from Madrid’s squad
Real Madrid released a 22-man squad for their Club World Cup, and it was missing some of the regulars.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)