Official: Real Madrid Clinch Fifth Club World Cup Title
12 February, 2023
Real Madrid have won their fifth FIFA Club World Cup title after thrashing Al Hilal 5-3 in the final on Saturday night.
FIFA Club World Cup Final
Result: Real Madrid 5-3 Al Hilal
Date: 11 February 2023
Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah
Karim Benzema was back in the line-up after missing the semi-final, while former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo dropped to the bench for Al Hilal.
Benzema wasted no time in making his presence known as the Frenchman slipped Vinicius Junior through on goal and the Brazilian slotted through legs of goalkeeper Abdullah Al Muaiouf on 15 minutes. The lead was doubled four minutes later as Luka Modric's low cross was only cleared as far as Federico Valverde, who volleyed home from the edge of the area.
Al-Hilal, however, managed to pull a goal back in the 26th minute when Moussa Marega weaved his way into the box before firing past goalkeeper Andry Lunin.
Benzema had a chance to restore Los Blancos' two-goal advantage just before the break, but the French forward sent a close-range effort wide from Valverde's cross.
The European champions came out with the same intentions in the second half, as Benzema got his reward ten minutes in with a powerful strike from Vinicius' assist.
The fourth goal arrived just before the hour mark, with Valverde completing his brace with a neat finish over Al Muaiouf following Dani Carvahal's inviting cross.
Al Hilal pulled a second goal back on 63 minutes when Saud Abdulhamid and Marega combined to play in Luciano Vietto, who placed his effort into the top corner.
However, Los Blancos added a fifth goal with 20 minutes to play, as Vinicius got his name on the scoresheet with a neat curling strike from just outside the area.
The Saudi Arabian side reduced the deficit on 79 minutes through Vietto, who completed his brace by turning home Michael's cross to set up a nery finish.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's men were able to see out the remaining stages of the second half to claim the win and their fifth Club World Cup crown.
Source: www.snl24.com
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