Real Madrid have shown they can still find the net even without talisman Karim Benzema, who missed the semi‑final with a thigh injury. In Saturday’s Club World Cup final in Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti’s side – the reigning European and Spanish champions – will face Saudi Arabia’s Al‑Hilal. The Spanish giants are aiming for a fifth title and a confidence boost after a shaky start to 2023.
Madrid are already four‑time record holders and firm favourites after a 4‑1 semi‑final victory over Egyptian side Al Ahly on Wednesday. They previously won the competition under Ancelotti in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. In the semi‑final, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Federico Valverde all scored, with youngster Sergio Arribas adding a goal from the bench. Although not at their best, the forwards had enough cutting edge to overcome the ten‑time African Champions League winners in the final stages.
Ancelotti said Benzema’s injury is not serious, but the coach may still start the Ballon d’Or holder on the bench, even if he is fit, after the team’s clinical performance. Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup to Barcelona in January and now trail their rivals by eight points in the La Liga title race. Winning their second trophy of the season – after lifting the European Super Cup in August – would lift morale in the Spanish capital.
Al‑Hilal, the 2021 Asian Champions League winners, reached the final by defeating Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo in the other semi‑final. They will field former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo and ex‑Atletico Madrid forward Luciano Vietto up front. The Saudi side are seeking their first Club World Cup title after finishing fourth in 2019 and 2021. “We have to respect this team; they have good players and play well collectively. They’ll be excited to play in the final and so will we,” Ancelotti said on Wednesday. “Football’s changing because there are a lot of teams all over the world that can compete, fight and win too.”
In the semi‑final against Al Ahly, Madrid appeared to have sealed progress with a two‑goal lead, but the opponents fought back with a penalty and missed a golden chance to equalise. After Luka Modrić missed a spot‑kick of his own, Rodrygo scored a brilliant goal to secure the win, and Arribas’s fourth added a cherry on top. It was Valverde’s first goal for the club since November, and Ancelotti was pleased to see the Uruguayan back on the scoresheet after a period of personal difficulties. “I’m happy because he played a good game,” the coach said. “He produced the goods, showed his quality and scored. Little by little he’s coming back.”
Vinícius also brushed off recent issues, including several instances of racist abuse in Spain, by opening the scoring for Madrid with a delicate chip. While the team is undeniably more dangerous with Benzema leading the line, the forward has been hampered by a string of niggling injuries this season. Other absentees for the final include Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Lucas Vázquez and Eden Hazard, with Éder Militao also doubtful. Nevertheless, after their goal‑rich display against Al Ahly, Ancelotti will be confident that his strikers can get the job done and make history on Saturday.
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