Real Madrid are through to the Club World Cup final after overcoming Egyptian side Al Ahly 4-1 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Sergio Arribas were all on the scoresheet despite a spirited performance from Al Ahly, who also found the back of the net after an Ali Maaloul spot-kick.
Ancelotti’s side will return to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Saturday as they look to lift a record fifth Club World Cup.
They will face Saudi side Al-Hilal, who upset Flamengo 3-2 in their semi-final on Tuesday.
In a high-octane first half, both sides carved openings as they aimed to break the deadlock. The majority of the action occurred on Real’s left flank, as the Brazilian duo of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo consistently combined to threaten Al Ahly’s defence, while being complemented by the overlapping runs of Eduardo Camavinga.
Similarly, Hussein El Shahat was Al Ahly’s main outlet going forward, twice testing the gloves of Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Yet, it was the La Liga side that took the lead just before the break through Vinicius Jr. Al Ahly failed to clear, allowing the 22-year-old to break through the lines before confidently chipping the ball over a hapless Mohammed El Shenawy.
Shortly after half-time, Real doubled their advantage when Federico Valverde tapped in a rebound after Rodrygo’s effort was parried away by El Shenawy.
Al Ahly found a lifeline, however, when they were awarded a penalty at the hour mark. El Shahat was brought down in the area by Camavinga, and Tunisia international Maaloul duly converted his spot-kick.
Al Ahly pressed for an equaliser but, with five minutes remaining, Real were also handed a penalty when Vinicius Jr was fouled. Luka Modric stepped up but saw his effort saved. Real shortly restored their two-goal advantage in stoppage time when Rodrygo finished a lovely passing move.
Substitute Sergio Arribas added a fourth against the resilient Al Ahly in the dying embers of the game after slotting home from a Real free-kick.
