Real Madrid to compete for Club World Cup title

Rabat, February 9 (PL) - Real Madrid will dispute the Club World Cup title here against Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, after defeating Egypt's Al Ahly in the semifinals by 4-1.

The Spaniards won the match with goals from Brazilians Vinicius Júnior in the 42nd minute and Rodrygo Goes (92nd), Uruguayan Federico Valverde (46th) and Sergio Arribas (98th), while for the defeated team, Tunisian Ali Maaloul scored (65th).

The European champions, weakened by the absence of six injured players, relied on the strength of their squad to overcome a brave opponent, capable of creating clear scoring chances.

"In the first half we were very good, but we didn't take our chances, and in the second half we conceded a goal quite early. We tried, but Real Madrid are very fast," said Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller.

Los Merengues will be going for their eighth world crown and first since 2018. They won the first three when the tournament was known as the Intercontinental Cup.

"The team is growing. Today we delivered because in these matches you have everything to lose and nothing to win. We didn't win calmly, but we controlled it quite well," explained the Spaniards' coach, Italian Carlo Ancelotti.

Real Madrid arrived in Morocco with six injuries. French attacker Karim Benzema, Brazilian defender Éder Militao and Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remained in Spain along with Belgian striker Eden Hazard and defenders Ferland Mendy of France and Lucas Vázquez.

The Spaniards will face Al Hilal, coached by Argentine DT Ramon Diaz, who stunned Brazil's Flamengo 3-2 in the other semi-final on Tuesday, for the title on Saturday.