Real Madrid will face Ighalo’s Al Hilal in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup hosted by Morocco, the match will be played on Saturday.
The Gataticos reached a record fifth FIFA Club World Cup final with a resounding 4-1 demolition of Africa’s vice Champions, Al Ahly of Egypt in Wednesday’s night semi-final encounter.
Al Ahly had their fair share of chances in the game, but Madrid’s superior quality ensured that they led 1-0 at the break; and doubled the lead just after the interval.
Al Ahly reduced the deficit on the stroke of 60 minute byt the reigning European Champions then responded by adding two more goals to complete the demolition.
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.
Al Ahly’s solitary goal was 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.
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 the opener, just prior to half-time.
Al Ahly are winners of the Bronze medal matches, in 2006, 2019 and 2021; and the Red Devils will now hope to finish the 2023 tournament in Morocco on a high when taking on Flamingo of Brazil in the losers final.
Meanwhile, Odion Ighalao’s Saudi Arabia clubside Al-Hilal defeated COMEBOL Champions, Flamengo of Argentina 3-2 in the other semi-final clash.
This year’s final will be played between European champions and Asian Champions in Rabat on Saturday.
Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo couldn’t get on the scorer’s sheet but played for about 60 minute before being subbed out.
Chelsea won the last edition of the FIFA club World Cup.
