(Football news) After a tough period domestically, Real Madrid defeated Al Ahly 4-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup semi final. The game was much closer than the scoreline suggested. Carlo Ancelotti dropped Dani Carvajal as Nacho played at right back with David Alaba partnering Antonio Rudiger in the centre. Eduardo Camavinga continued at left back while Dani Ceballos dropped to the bench. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric came back into the line-up to partner Aurélien Tchouaméni. After a couple of games in midfield Fede Valverde had to go back to the right wing after the injury to Marco Asensio. 

Real Madrid were dominant on the ball from the get go but it was Al Ahly who had 2 big chances early on. Real Madrid started getting more and more dangerous as the half progressed. A mistake at the back gave Vinicius Jr the ball just outside the box. The Brazilian took it brilliantly as he chipped the goalkeeper to give Real Madrid a crucial lead. Two minutes into the 2nd half Modric set up Rodrygo whose shot was saved but Fede Valverde pounced on the rebound to double Los Blancos’ lead. In the 57th minute Vinicius Jr was brought down in the box but the referee and VAR didn’t give a penalty despite replays showing clear infringement. 

Things were looking comfortable for Real Madrid but Eduardo Camavinga conceded a penalty which was converted by Ali Maaloul. The Egyptian team came agonisingly close to equalising on a couple of occasions. Substitute Dani Ceballos set up Rodrygo after some beautiful link-up play which sealed the victory for Real Madrid. Castilla player Sergio Arribas was brought on for the final moments of the game and he managed to score to make it 4-0 to Real Madrid. The final of the FIFA Club World Cup will be between Al Hilal and Real Madrid while Al Ahly will take on Flamengo in the 3rd place match.

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