Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Real's victory over Al Ahly not as one-sided as the scoreline suggests
Real Madrid's Rodrygo, top, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's third goal during the FIFA Club World Cup semi final match between Al Ahly and Real Madrid at Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat, Morocco, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023.

EUROPEAN champions Real Madrid advanced to the final of the Club World Cup following a 4-1 win against Al Ahly in Rabat.

The game wasn’t as one-sided as the scoreline suggests. Real’s goals came from Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Sergio Arribas, while Luka Modric saw a penalty saved by Mohamed El Shenawy, but the Egyptian side, having defeated Auckland City and Seattle Sounders to get this far, created plenty of chances of their own.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recognised his team were not at their best, but their troubles were also a result of some good play from Ahly.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase Play Offs, first leg match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, February 11, 2025
Men’s Football / 16 January 2026
16 January 2026

Forward’s rise as the tournament’s leading scorer reflects a journey shaped by heritage and belief as Morocco reach the final, writes JAMES NALTON

Chelsea's Joao Pedro is congratulated by Enzo Fernandez after scoring his side's second goal during the Club World Cup semi final against Fluminense in East Rutherford, New Jersey, July 8, 2025
Men’s Football / 11 July 2025
11 July 2025

Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger during a training session at the Emirates Stadium, London, April 7, 2025
Men’s football / 23 June 2025
23 June 2025
Palmeiras' Vitor Roque (right) is challenged by Porto's Martim Fernandes during the Club World Cup group A soccer match between Palmeiras and FC Porto in East Rutherford, New Jersey, June 15, 2025
Round-up / 18 June 2025
18 June 2025