Real Madrid vs Al Hilal summary: Madrid win eighth world title, score, goals and highlights | FIFA Club World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti defiant about Real Madrid's prospects for the season

So, there we have it. We finally heard from Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who was presumably too busy celebrating to speak to the press straight after the game (and rightly so). 

"We've got the hunger to fight until the end in every competition we are in" and "we're in good shape for the second half of the season" sound pretty ominous for those competing against Los Blancos. 

Still, they have a long way to go to make up the gap to Barcelona in LaLiga. What else will Ancelotti's men have in their trophy cabinet come the end of the season?

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti: "We’ve got the hunger to fight until the end in every competition we are in"

General thoughts on the game and winning another trophy. "We are improving, we have to remember that we made some mistakes at the back. The team is getting back to its best, like Karim. Militão and Courtois too... this trophy gives us a boost for the end of the season."

Valverde has won his bet that he would score 10 goals. "I’m grateful because I don't want to retire. He has gone through a very difficult period. Valverde offers us a lot playing on the right."

Vinícius has become a key figure in trophy wins. "He is progressing. He has improved along with the team. Little by little. He is doing very well; we are delighted with him because we see that he is still improving. He is much more effective, scores in almost every game and makes a difference in every game."

You defended Vinícius and now he has been voted player of the tournament. How has the week been for him? "He has had the same kind of week as the rest of us, hurt by the defeat in Mallorca but ready to play in this tournament. We will go back to Madrid hoping that the way he has played in this tournament will give him a boost. He won’t play on Wednesday because he is suspended, so I will give him a couple of days off which will do him good, even though he isn’t showing any signs of fatigue. Quite the opposite."

Real Madrid are now level on eight world titles with Milan. "The two clubs are like two families. Berlusconi a great president like Florentino, they are the biggest fans of the club. Madrid has a tradition and history and we are delighted to be part of this history."

Overall assessment of the tournament. "We have shown the improvement that we thought we would. We’ve got the hunger to fight until the end in every competition we are in. We are in good shape for the second half of the season.”

Soccer is changing. "I am happy that soccer is improving in other places. European soccer is the strongest, but the rest are improving quickly."

How is Tchouaméni? "He has only suffered a knock, nothing else."

Toni Kroos: "I'm thinking about my future"

Six Club World Cups. "I am very happy, I play soccer for these nights. With all due respect to the opponent, these were two games that we had to win."

The culmination of a year of hard work... "We've really suffered... We deserved to be here but they don't give you anything for free. For Al Hilal, this was the game of their lives and that showed."

The future. "I am thinking about it. Anyway, I am always in contact with the club. And I can tell from my experience, it's better to talk about these matters behind closed doors. When it's official, you will know."

When will you make your decision? "It won't take long. I have a great relationship with Madrid and neither or us will do anything silly."

Al Hilal manager Ramón Díaz: "It's not easy to score three goals against Madrid"

The reason for the defeat. "We played against an incredibly good team. It was a good experience for us. I am proud of my players because they have done well. We saw that Madrid were better than us."

Too many errors? "Against such a good opponent, they press you a lot. We didn't make so many mistakes, but their quality means that create chances and punish you. It's not easy to score three goals against Madrid, I think the people of Al Hilal will be satisfied with us. We need to be happy with our efforts and the team has gained experience for the future."

What did you say to the players before the game? "Our expectation is always to win. We had a couple of opportunities to open the game up. We told them to be attentive and they had a great game."

Is Vinicius unstoppable? "When you give him spaces, he makes your life really difficult. But I am proud of my team because the made a huge effort huge. They were better than us, I can't say more than that."

The organisation of the tournament. "I have to congratulate the people of Morocco for doing their very best for us, I think the organisation was perfect."

Hands up if you're world champions

Let's be totally honest, the Club World Cup doesn't nearly have the same significance as its international counterpart but another fine achievement for Real Madrid, who have won this tournament five times in six appearances. 

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez: "This is the cherry on top"

An eighth world title: "To win a world title, you have to win a Champions League. It's the cherry on top."

A Ttough journey and crowning glory: "Whenever a title is won, it's very difficult. But this one is special. You have to win a Champions League first. To be the best in Europe and then in the world, our players should be very proud."

Six world titles under your leadership: "To do so, you have to win six Champions Leagues. I have been fortunate enough to do so and continue working. Real Madrid, everything it wins, is the starting point for the next one."

Vinicius, Valverde, Benzema: "The mix of veterans and young players, with Ancelotti who knows how to manage them very well, produces this. The credit goes to the players. We have a team that, besides having great players, are Madrid fans."

Rabat's love for Madrid: "I have had the opportunity to see this in almost every corner of the world. It confirms that Real Madrid is universally appreciated and that it's in everyone's heart. We have to keep that feeling going."

How many times have Real Madrid won the FIFA Club World Cup?

As ever in soccer, it's not that simple. Real Madrid have won their current tournament on five occasions, as I mentioned below, but they've also be crowned 'world champions' - recognised by FIFA - on more occasions.

Here's William with the lowdown on that. 

More reaction upcoming

We had that brief bit of chat from Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti but I'll bring you more detailed reaction as soon as I get it. 

Carlo Ancelotti: "We showed our ability and quality"

We're really happy. For the eighth time, Real Madrid is the world club champion. It was a good game, with plenty of attacking quality. Vinicius, Benzema, Valverde...they played really well. We showed our ability and quality.

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal goals summary

A summary of the goals in a madcap game. Two goals for Vinícius, Valverde and Vietto, the award winners.  

V for victorious.

Five FIFA Club World Cup wins for Real Madrid

Real Madrid have now won this tournament on five occasions.

Some players - such as Kroos and Benzema - are used to winning trophies. Others, like Camavinga, are maybe not quite in the habit yet (although he did win two last season). 

Real Madrid crowned FIFA Club World Cup winners!

Karim Benzema lifts the trophy aloft and the ticker tape soars into the Rabat night sky.

Benzema's fifth time winning this competition, Toni Kroos' sixth!

Karim Benzema last up to lift FIFA Club World Cup trophy

The Frenchman is back and he's back to pick up a trophy!

Real Madrid to be crowned FIFA Club World Cup winners

It's time for the champions...

Nobody wants to get their medal first. Dani Carvajal eventually draws the short straw, apparently. 

Ah no, Carlo Ancelotti has nipped in front of him. 

Al Hilal collect FIFA Club World Cup runners-up medals

A valiant effort from Al Hilal, who looked dead and buried on three separate occasions but hung on in there. The wait for an Asian winner goes on...

Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior wins the Adidas Golden Ball

And, incredibly enough, read what I said below for Vietto but change the names to names to Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid and Golden Ball.

All three award winners scored twice in the final and once in the semi-final. 

Real Madrid's Fede Valverde wins the Adidas Silver Ball

Read what I said below for Luciano Vietto but changes the names to Fede Valverde, Real Madrid and Silver Ball. 

Luciano Vietto wins the Adidas Bronze ball

Three goals for Luciano Vietto overall, including two in the final. The Al Hilal attacker wins the Bronze Ball. 

Real Madrid win FIFA Fair Play award

It doesn't feel as if there are enough games to have a Fair Play award, but Real Madrid are the winners. 

Gianni Infantino and Florentino Pérez make their way to the stage

The stage has been assembled, the music is pumping. And here come the trophies for the individual awards for the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez are amongst those making their way onto the field. 

Alessandro Del Piero brings the FIFA Club World Cup trophy out

The award ceremony is about to start, with Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero bring the FIFA Club World Cup trophy onto the pitch. 

Camavinga slips and there's almost a chance for Ighalo to take advantage but Ceballos nips in to thwart the Nigerian. 

A first opportunity for Al Hilal to put the Real Madrid defence under pressure in injury time comes to nothing. There's been absolutely no danger of Madrid conceding. 

Real Madrid are - finally - seeing this out expertly. It's almost as if they've been in this position before...

Seven minutes to play but Al Hilal can't get the ball at the moment. 

SEVEN minutes of added time to come. 

Big chance for Rodrygo to make the game safe! He plays a neat exchange of passes with Valverde in the box but gets the finish horribly wrong. 

Dear, oh dear. What a waste. Al Dawsari blasts it over the bar.

Wasn't a shot, wasn't a cross. Wasn't any use. 

Free-kick to Al Hilal in a VEEEEERY dangerous position...

Vietto and Marega off for Al Hilal

A strange one from Al Hilal this.

Vietto and Marega - the two main threats - come off. Ighalo and Al Hamdan are on. 

Asensio lines another one up...over! Struck it well but too high. 

Al Hilal are starting to run out of time here. 

Great save from Almuaiouf to deny Asensio! That was from a 'typical' Asensio position. Here comes the corner...

WHAT A MISS FROM MAREGA!

OH MY WORD! That should've been 5-4!

Another jinking run from Michael, Lunin spills the cross, Vietto's shot is blocked and it falls perfectly for Marega, who skews wide on the volley when it looked easier to score!

I've no idea if it's game on or not anymore. 

Valverde lined up one of his blockbusters from distance and he got it on target but Almuaiouf got down to save. 

Camavinga and Valverde have moved into midfield for Real Madrid and Alaba has switched across to left-back. Nacho is now in central defence with Asensio playing off the right in attack. 

Changes for both sides

Kroos and Modric get a standing ovation as they are replaced by Asensio and Nacho. 

Carillo and Salem come off for Al Hilal, Michael and Al-Dawsari on. 

The madness has settled down slightly, with Real Madrid taking the sting out of the game with some possession. 

Within seconds of kick-off, Vinícius almost gets his hat-trick! He shoots from a central position from the edge of the box but Almuaiouf just manages to tip it over. 

Real Madrid shut the door in Al Hilal's face once again! Ceballos looked as if he was going to get the shot away but Vinícius nicked it off his toes. Good decision!

A decent chance for Vitetto to get Saud in on the right but the attacker overhits his pass and the opportunity is gone. 

If Al Hilal can get the next goal...

This is Real Madrid they are playing though, remember. 

A minimum of 30 minutes, I should've said...

Six goals and still 30 minutes left to play!

The 'olés' starting to ring around the ground as Real Madrid control possession. 

Real Madrid changes, Benzema off

Benzema and Tchouaméni replaced by Rodrygo and Ceballos. 

I could just copy and paste what I said before. Real Madrid have really not done that much in this game, yet they are 4-1 up.Incredible efficiency as ever from Los Blancos. 

A decent cross into the box from Saud but neither Marega nor any of his teammates can get on the end of it.

Al Hilal have it all to do once again. Surely they couldn't?

That's just Real Madrid all over. Well it looks like they're not up to much, they hit you with an uppercut out of nowhere. Ouch. 

Al Hilal right-back Saud has grown into this game as an attacking force and he has the chance to get a shot away inside the box but declines, instead trying a cross, which is blocked. 

I don't want to labour the point but Marega really is causing Real Madrid a lot of problems. The promising thing for Al Hilal is that he always seems to have someone playing close to him. The Spaniards really need to get a grip of him. 

A nice bit of 'to me-to you' from Benzema and Valverde but they're unable to work a shooting position. Al Hilal holding firm as Madrid attack. 

Al Hilal are trying to play out from the back whenever possible. They've been caught out once or twice but have also pieced together some really nice moves upfield. The latest again gets Marega into a dangerous position on the right but Vietto can't quite make the most of his cutback. 

Marega again getting joy in behind the Real Madrid defence...this time he smashes a cross towards the six-yard box but Alaba blocks with his chest. 

And within seconds, Real Madrid almost double their lead! Kroos rifles one narrowly wide from the edge of the box!

Second half underway!

The teams are back out for the second half. Let's go!

Marega pulls one back for Al Hilal

Things really didn't look good for Al Hilal when Fede Valverde added a second goal but former Porto attacker Moussa Marega pulled one back soon after and has caused the Real Madrid defence problems throughout. 

Two goals in two games for Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior

Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the semi-final against Al Ahly and repeated the trick in the final against Al Hilal. 

Half-time: Real Madrid 2-1 Al Hilal

I'm not going to lie, things looked OMINOUS for Al Hilal after 18 minutes. It appeared as if they were keeping Real Madrid at bay and defending their box well, only for the Spaniards to hit them with two goals in five minutes out of nowhere. A delightful through-ball from Benzema played Vinícius in for the first, while poor goalkeeping and defending led to Valverde firing a deflected shot beyond Almuaiouf in the Al Hilal goal. 

But the Saudi side have looked threatening on the occasions that they've been able to work the ball up the field to Marega, with Vietto proving to be an effective foil. With Madrid 2-0 up and cruising, they carelessly left the back door wide open as they pushed for a third and Marega was allowed to run from the half-way line unchallenged to slot past Lunin. 

There have been few chances at either end since then, although the returning Benzema had a clear sight of goal by his own high standards, only to divert the ball just wide. At the other end, Marega has continued to cause problems with his physical presence and link-up with Vietto. 

Game very much on for the second half. 

Al Hilal penalty claim!

A dangerous break from Al Hilal! Marega again leads the charge and lays the ball off in the box to Salem, who tries to sidestep Rüdiger, who gets his body in the way. The Saudis want a penalty for a body check but there's nothing doing. 

Modric has made a few dangerous runs into the penalty box and gets on the end of a Valverde through ball. His cross is into threatening area but is eventually cleared to safety. 

Two minutes of injury time to be played. 

A sore one for Al Bulayhi as Benzema catches him on the instep. Luckily for the defender, as he'd lost possession in his own half. 

Great challenge from Jang! A trademark Vinícius run into the box but the South Korean slides in to pick his pocket at the crucial moment!

Chance for Benzema!

Almost a third out of nothing for Madrid! Valverde makes a yard of space for a cross from the right and whips it into Benzema, who gets good contact on it but directs the ball wide of the target. 

Tchouaméni overruns the ball in midfield and appears to hurt himself as Kanno nicks the ball off him, although he somehow gets awarded a free-kick. Kroos' ball into the box is gathered at the second attempt by Almuaiouf.

And just to prove that point, Saud dinks a neat ball into the box to Marega, who holds off Rüdiger and gets a shot away, which flies high and wide. 

An excellent interception from Kanno as Vinícius tries to skip away from him in midfield. Real Mardid not getting things all their own way now.

Al Hilal right-back Saud very nearly gets in behind Camavinga as he ventures forward for the first time. Ramón Díaz's side are giving a good account of themselves. 

A sore one for Cuéllar as he takes a smack in the mouth from Tchouamnéni as they battle for possession in midfield. Referee Anthony Taylor deems it was accidental. A free-kick and nothing else. 

If Al Hilal are able to work the ball forward quickly and accurately up to Marega and Vietto, they have shown a few times that they are capable of causing problems, the goal aside. 

Real Madrid camped inside the Al Hilal half once again but unable to find a way through. Working the ball from side to side but some disciplined defending from the Saudi Arabians in the last few minutes. 

That was really careless from Real Madrid. They left the back door wide, wide open. 

Just what the game needed (unless you're a Real Madrid fan...)!

Camavinga is again playing at left-back and he links up well with Vinícius to break into the box. His low cross is cleared - effectively this time - by Al Bulayhi.

A bit too much time and space on the ball for Modric and Kroos in midfield at the moment, I'd suggest, from an Al Hilal perspective.

Ahhhhh...that was a decent opening there for Al Hilal. Marega gets himself into a good position on the right-hand side of the box and has men in the middle but his cross is blocked and hits him on the way out for a goal kick. 

Almost a third! Another Valverde hit from distance is just about beaten away by Almuaiouf. This could get ugly pretty quickly...

Just like that, Real Madrid are 2-0 up out of nowhere. 

That would've been such a welcome pick-me-up for Al Hilal.

Almost an immediate response from Al Hilal! Vietto finds space on the edge of the box and rifles one towards the bottom corner! But it goes just wide with Lunin scrambling!

This could be a long 80 or so minutes for Al Hilal...

Real Madrid starting to get a grip on possession though, which is an ominous sign for Al Hilal. The Asian side will be satisfied with how the game has gone so far though, they've managed to keep Los Blancos at arm's length. 

A fairly cagey start to the game, nothing really in the way of goalmouth action so far. 

A crucial interception from Rüdiger as Marega breaks in behind and almost manages to tee up Vietto. Encouraging for the Saudi side. 

First sight of goal for Real Madrid as they work their way into the box and Valverde has a sight of goal, blocked out for a corner! 

That corner is cleared...

A nice bit of early possession for Al Hilal, which will help them settle into the game. 

Kick-off in the FIFA Club World Cup final!

Away we go! Al Hilal get us underway.

White Stripes still going strong

You could travel to the remotest corner of the globe to watch a game of professional soccer and I'm convinced the teams would run out to Seven Nation Army. 

Al Hilal team to play Real Madrid

Almuaiouf; Saud, Jang, Al Bulayhi, Khalifah; Cuéllar, Kanno; Carrillo, Vietto, Salem; Marega. 

Kanno returns in midfield for Al Hilal after suspension, winger Carrillo is fit to play. 

Real Madrid team to play Al Hilal: Karim Benzema starts!

Karim Benzema's return is the big news! Rodrygo drops down to the bench. 

Kick-off fast appraoching!

The teams are in the tunnel, let's have a look at how the teams line up one more time. 

Carlo Ancelotti: "It's been a long journey"

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has just given the briefest pre-match interview to Spanish broadcaster Telecinco. 

"We're excited and happy to be here. It's been a long journey to get here. We're really happy."

I guess you can't argue with any of that. 

Flamengo finish third in the FIFA Club World Cup

Just in case you missed it a little earlier, Flamengo defeated Al Ahly 4-2 to finish in third place in the tournament, which means they take home $2.5 million rather than $2 million. 

As for the final, silverware isn’t the only thing at stake in Saturday’s final in Rabat, with the winner of the tournament also pocketing $5 million. $1 million will be the difference between winning and losing, as the runners-up will take home $4 million in compensation for being upset about missing out on a trophy.

Moroccans Wydad Casablanca and MLS club Seattle Sounders, who were defeated in the second round, pick up $1 million each, while Auckland City of New Zealand, beaten by Al Ahly in the first round, take home $500,000.

Karim Benzema's surprise return!

And, of course, the big news is Karim Benzema's surprise return to the starting line-up after he picked up an injury 10 days or so ago against Valencia. It's not been a great season for the Frenchman because of various fitness issues and his recent problems have been made all the more frustrating by the fact that he had looked to be back to full fitness and his best form following the World Cup break.

Let's see how he fares tonight.  

Militão back in action

Big smiles for Eder Militão though, who is back in action after injury (well, kind of - he starts the game on the bench)!

Andriy Lunin between the sticks for Real Madrid

You may have caught a glimpse of Thibaut Courtois in the 'Real Madrid are here' tweet but the big Belgian is still nursing a thigh issue. That means Ukrainian stopper Andriy Lunin will again start in goal for Los Blancos. 

European dominance at the FIFA Club World Cup

We've seen complete and utter dominance by UEFA/European teams at the FIFA Club World Cup, who have won 14 of the 18 tournaments contested so far. CONMEBOL/South America (Brazil…) is the only other continent to have produced a winner (in the other four).

AFC/Asian clubs have now reached three finals, with Al Hilal joining Japanese side Kashima Antlers, who lost to Madrid in the 2016 final, while the Spaniards beat Al Ain of the UAE in 2018. 

CAF/African teams have made it to two finals. Congolese club TP Mazembe and Raja Casablanca of Morocco are the two African finalists, losing to Inter and Bayern in 2010 and 2013 respectively.

OFC/Oceania is the only continent never to have provided a FIFA Club World Cup finalist, despite Auckland City holding the record for number of appearances (10). 

Al Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup

You will probably not be surprised to hear that Al Hilal's FIFA Club World Cup story is slightly less complete. This is the Saudi Arabians third appearance in the tournament and their first appearance in the final. 

In 2019-20, they finished in fourth spot after beating Espérance de Tunis before losing to Flamengo - they gained their revenge this year - in the semi-finals. 

In 2021-22, they repeated that feat, thrashing UAE side Al Jazira 6-1 before a narrow semi-final loss to eventual winners Chelsea. 

This year, they are bidding to become the first Asian club to ever win the trophy.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

What is Real Madrid’s record at the FIFA Club World Cup?

In case you're just joined us and missed those messages below, here's Real Madrid's impressive FIFA Club World Cup record all tied up in a neat little bow in one article!

Real Madrid fans in good spirits in Rabat

The Real Madrid fans heading to the game in Rabat are in good spirits and why would't they be? They've never lost a final in this competition and are firm favourites to win this one. 

Real Madrid arrive at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

I showed you Al Hilal leaving for Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium a little earlier and I can reassure you that Real Madrid have also turned up for the FIFA Club World Cup final. Thank Goodness for that, that would've been a story. 

Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup: three-in-a-row in 2018

Madrid then went and made it three in a row – and a record four titles overall – in 2018, again in the UAE. A rather more convincing performance as a Gareth Bale hat-trick downed Kashima Antlers in the last four before they cruised to a 4-1 victory against Al Ain of the home nation in the final.

Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup: Ronaldo again the match winner in 2017

Madrid then defended their title the following year in the United Arab Emirates. They came from a goal down to squeeze past Emirati side Al Jazira in the semi-finals thanks to goals from Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, before Ronaldo struck the only goal in the final against Grêmio of Brazil.

Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo the main man in 2016

Two years later in Japan, they regained their title from Barcelona, dispatching Club América in the last four and then struggling past home side Kashima Antlers after extra-time; the highlight of the final was undoubtedly a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick.

Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup: first title in 2014

The current format was in use by 2014, which means they only needed to win two matches against theoretically weaker opposition to lift the trophy. In Morocco, they won the tournament for the first time in their history, cruising past Cruz Azul 4-0 in the semi-finals before recording a 2-0 win over Argentinians San Lorezno in the final.

Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup: initial disappointment in 2000

The inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, played in Brazil in 2000 is, incredibly, the only edition of the tournament that Real Madrid have participated in and not won. On that occasion, they finished second in a group containing Corinthians, Al Nassr (you’ll know them now if you didn’t back then) and Raja Casablanca, which was only good enough to qualify for the third-placed playoff, which they lost to Mexican side Necaxa in a penalty shootout.

Los Merengues were due to participate the following year as Champions League winners but the tournament, which was scheduled to be played in Spain, was cancelled because of a number of different factors, including the collapse of FIFA’s marketing partner ISL.

The next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup didn’t take place until 2005, by which point Madrid had started their 12-year Champions League drought. As a result, their next appearance in the competition didn’t come until 2014, which is when their dominance of it began.

Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium warming up for FIFA Club World Cup final

My colleague Paul Reidy is in position and has sent me this snap from Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which is starting to fill up nicely with just over an hour to go until kickoff!

Al Hilal team to play Real Madrid

Here's the Al Hilal side for the final. Mohamed Kanno returns in midfield, as expected, while André Carrillo is fit to play after recovering from injury. 

Almuaiouf; Saud, Jang, Al Bulayhi, Khalifah; Cuéllar, Kanno; Carrillo, Marega, Salem; Vietto. 

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Flamengo vs Al Hilal: summary: score, goals, highlights, FIFA Club World Cup

And to make sure I've done all my admin, Andy was on hand to cover Al Hilal's semi-final win over Flamengo. The Brazilians were heavily fancied to reach the final but came unstuck against Argentinian Ramón Díaz and his charges. As I said, another two penalties for the Saudi Arabian side in this one. Eight penalties taken, eight scored so far in the tournament. Real Madrid won't want the final to go to a shootout...

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Wydad vs Al Hilal summary: score, goals, highlights, FIFA Club World Cup

Kieran is back to tell us about how Al Hilal rescued a victory from the jaws of defeat in their first game of the competition against Wydad Casablanca. Six penalties converted across normal time and the shootout (followed by another two in their next match...). 

Ice cool. 

Al Hilal: how did they get here?

Al Hilal's path to the final has been ever-so-slightly more taxing than that of their opponents as they've played two matches, including extra-time and penalties in the first of them in the second round/quarter-finals. The Saudi Arabians defeated Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in a shootout after 1-1 draw, with Mohamed Kanno's injury-time penalty saving them from early elimination. They were then very much second favourites to defeat Brazilians Flamengo in the semi-finals but prevailed 3-2, helped by two goals from the penalty spot from winger Salem Al-Dawsari, who also netted twice for Saudi Arabia at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Al Hilal on the way to Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

As I said a little earlier, Carlo Ancelotti often goes early with his team. Nothing from Al Hilal yet but you'll be reassured to know that they are on the way to Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as I type! And they look pretty pleased about it. 

Real Madrid team to play Al Hilal: Benzema starts!

Well, well, well. Most of us (including me) did not see this coming. Karim Benzema is thrown straight back into the starting line-up after injury and captains the Real Madrid team. Eder Militão, on the other hand, is indeed on the bench, alongside Rodrygo, who drops out. 

Lunin; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Modric, Tchouaméni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinícius. 

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Al Ahly vs Real Madrid summary: score, goals, highlights, FIFA Club World Cup

Here's the story of Real Madrid's one and only FIFA Club World Cup game so far, as told by Kieran. The tale (spoiler alert) includes a missed penalty from Luka Modric and two injury times goals, including one for youngster Sergio Arribas just minutes after he had come off the bench. 

Real Madrid: how did they get here?

Has it been plain sailing for Real Madrid to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final? In some ways it has, in others it hasn’t.

Los Blancos have only played one game so far, the semi-final against Al Ahly. A 4-1 victory would suggest a handsome win but they made relatively hard work of seeing off the Egyptians and didn’t put in a particularly impressive performance. Nevertheless, they got the job done – as they tend to do – and scored four goals (Vinícius, Valverde, Rodrygo, Arribas) in the process, so it wasn’t all bad…

Al Hilal early team news: Kanno can play

Key midfielder Mohammed Kanno is available after suspension and is likely to go back into the team. Peruvian winger André Carrillo is the main injury doubt for Ramón Díaz’s men. Salem Al-Dawsari, who scored twice at the Qatar 2022 World Cup for Saudi Arabia, and former Atlético Madrid striker Luciano Vietto both netted in the surprise semi-final win over Flamengo and will be the main dangermen in attack, alongside former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo and ex-Porto man Moussa Marega.  

Real Madrid early team news: Benzema back in town

Carlo Ancelotti almost always goes early with his starting line-up but we’ve not quite got anything official from Real Madrid yet. The suggestion is that Karim Benzema and Eder Militão will start the game on the bench after missing the semi-final win over Al Ahly through injury. First-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is out with a thigh problem so Andriy Lunin will again start in goal.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: Times, how to watch on TV, stream online | FIFA Club World Cup

Of course, you may be looking for a way to watch the game, in which case, you are bang in luck. If you’re watching from the United States, there is a way and this is it!

Remember that you can also watch Real Madrid vs Al Hilal live stream on fuboTV

What time does Real Madrid vs Al Hilal kick off?

The FIFA Club World Cup final gets underway at 8:00 p.m. local time in Rabat, Morocco, which is 2:00 p.m. ET and 11:00 a.m. PT. Over the course of the next couple of hours, I’ll be bringing you build-up, team news and plenty, plenty more.

Are you up for the (FIFA Club World) cup? Of course you are!

Hello and welcome to Real Madrid vs Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup final!

The “best team in world soccer” is just hours away from being crowned. Will Real Madrid extend their record number of victories at the FIFA Club World Cup? Or will Al Hilal spring another surprise and become the first Asian club to ever win the competition?

Thanks for joining me (Roddy) to find out!