Los Blancos beat Al Ahly in the semi-finals to advance to Saturday’s showpiece event, while Al-Hilal navigated their way past Brazilian giants Flamengo in the final four.
Browsing: Real Madrid
African champions Al Ahly had their fair share of chances, but Madrid’s superior quality on Wednesday ensured they had enough to see them off and set up a date with Al Hilal in Saturday’s final.
This is because he will be missing several key players due to injuries in the crucial Club World Cup semifinal game.
Atletico took the lead with Alvaro Morata scoring from close range following Nahuel Molina’s low cross.
Leaders FC Barcelona climbed to 44 points, six ahead of their bitter rivals Real Madrid who have a game in hand and will visit Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday.
The win helped to give manager Xavi a first major trophy of his reign.
In the semifinal match, Real Madrid drew first blood as French forward Karim Benzema scored from the penalty spot in the 39th minute at King Fahd Stadium.
The nation’s most-capped male player and record men’s goalscorer announced his decision on social media.
Karim Benzema made the breakthrough from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute before adding a second in the final exchanges, and the result has seen the reigning champions climb one point above Barcelona to the summit, with the Catalan outfit in action against Espanyol on Saturday.
The 23-year-old was strongly linked with a switch to the Spanish capital over the summer, with his initial contract due to expire in June 2022.
The 35-year-old was exiled from the team between 2015 and 2021 before being recalled by Didier Deschamps.
The Selecao are on the lookout for a new head coach in the wake of Tite’s resignation, with the 61-year-old leaving straight after his side’s World Cup departure.
Luka Modric and Rodrygo netted from the spot following two handball decisions before Josip Juranovic saw his effort from 12 yards saved.
Benzema has a problem with his left thigh while midfield maestro Modric is apparently suffering some discomfort in the adductor.
The 34-year-old won his first Ballon d’Or award for 2022 at Monday’s ceremony in Paris after propelling Los Blancos to a La Liga and Champions League double last season.
He was the overwhelming favourite after his remarkable performances last season helped his club win the Champions League and La Liga
Barca had conceded just one goal in eight league games this season prior to the visit to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Diego Simeone’s men will host their unbeaten neighbours to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday night. The tie will be broadcast on SuperSport La Liga (DStv channel 204 and GOtv channel 32).
The Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, confirmed this in a statement he issued on Friday
The head coach’s current contract with Los Blancos is due to run until June 2024, and the Italian recently revealed that he would retire from football management once his second spell in charge of the Spanish giants has come to an end.