On Saturday, Real Madrid will have the opportunity to win their fifth Club World Cup trophy after sweeping over Egyptian champions Al Ahly in Rabat, winning 4-1.
In the first half, both teams had opportunities to go up but both goalkeepers made excellent saves to prevent that from happening.
Fortunately, Real Madrid was able to make the breakthrough right before halftime thanks to Vinicius Jr.
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Federico Valverde increased the score to 2-0 in the first minute of the second period.
The Egyptian side scored through Ali Maaloul’s spot kick after Camavinga commits a careless offense in the 64th mins to make it 2-1.
The Egyptian goalkeeper stopped Modric’s penalty shot in the 86th minute.
In the 91st minute, Rodrygo added a third goal with a right-footed shot from the center of the box.
Sergio Arribas only entered the game moments earlier, and in the 97th minute, he manages to score with his first touches.
After Real Madrid defeated Al Ahly to go to the Club World Cup final, Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media in the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium press room:
“We controlled the match well for an hour, but then we thought it was done and it opened up. We then finished well.”
“The team’s improving and we did well today because it was a match where we had everything to lose and nothing to win. We controlled the game pretty well. It’s a great feeling to reach the final.”
“When it was 2-0 it looked like we‘d won the game and that’s not the way football is. We slowed down and thought we’d won. We have to play well and remain focused until the final whistle. It was like that for 10 or 15 minutes until Modrić’s penalty.”
Ancelotti on their final match
“We’re up against a team that won the semi-final by playing well and deserved to be in the final.”
“We have to respect this team. They’ve got good players and play well collectively. They’ll be excited to play in the final and so will we.”
“We have to prepare well for the match, provide clear instructions to the players and devise a good game plan. We have players who can handle this type of pressure extremely well.”
Ancelotti on Flamengo’s exit
“Football’s changing because there’re a lot of teams all over the world that can compete, fight and win too.”
“I was surprised that Flamengo were eliminated, but they’re in pre-season and their fitness level isn’t at its peak and the rest of the teams, who are in the middle of the season, are at their peak.”
Ancelotti on Vinícius Jr.
“He likes to play football wherever he is. His game was very complete. He scored a fantastic goal and was always dangerous. He is the same Vini Jr. that you always see”.
Ancelotti on Valverde
“I’m happy because he played a good game. He has produced the goods, shown his quality and scored. Little by little he’s coming back.”
On Modric’s Penalty
“Sometimes you miss them. Luka has always done very well. We have to choose the best one to take it and I’m pretty sure who the best penalty takers are: Karim, Modrić and Asensio.
“It’s very complicated to practice penalties because the environmental factor can’t be replicated in a training session”.
On Real Madrid’s fans
“The atmosphere was great for Real Madrid and I want to thank the fans. It was a nice and fair game against a side that played well and gave it everything.”
