Mueez Ajao
– Real Madrid beat Al-Hilal in a remarkable eight-goal Fifa Club World Cup final in Rabat to win the trophy for a record-extending fifth time.
– Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde put European champions Real 2-0 up and Moussa Marega gave Al-Hilal hope before Vinicius set up Karim Benzema’s goal.
– Valverde netted again and Luciano Vietto scored before Vinicius’ second.
Also Read: Madrid overcome Al-Ahly to reach Club World Cup final
– Vietto swivelled in the box before firing in a second to for 5-3 but Al-Hilal rarely looked like coming back.
– Carlo Ancelotti’s Real added to their four cups from 2014 to 2018 – and ensured European teams have won the past 10 editions of the tournament.
– They had brushed off Egyptian side Al Ahly 4-1 in the semi-finals, the round the European champions always enter the tournament.
– Asian champions Al-Hilal, who are managed by former Oxford United boss Ramon Diaz, beat Brazilians Flamengo in the semis to become the first Saudi team to reach the final.
– But despite the double from former Fulham striker Vietto they could not become the first Asian team to lift the trophy.
– Chelsea won last year’s final but were not able to defend it as only reigning continental champions – and champions of the host country – are invited.
– Fifa plans to change the format of the tournament from June 2025 to feature 32 teams and be held every four years.
