Mueez Ajao
– Carlo Ancelotti praised Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde after both players scored twice — with Vinicius named MVP — in Real Madrid’s 5-3 win over Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup final on Saturday.
– Vinicius opened the scoring in the 13th minute in Rabat, Morocco, before Valverde doubled Madrid’s lead five minutes later. Moussa Marega pulled a goal back for Al Hilal before Karim Benzema and Valverde put Madrid 4-1 up, and a late brace from Luciano Vietto — either side of Vinicius’ second — saw an entertaining game end 5-3.
– “Vini is making progress. It started at the beginning of last year,” Ancelotti said in his post-match news conference. “It’s been the same as the progression of the team, winning the Champions League, becoming a world champion now.
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– “We’re very happy with him, above all because he keeps improving, he’s more efficient, he’s scoring, he makes the difference in every game.”
– Vinicius had been in the spotlight this week after being racially abused by a fan during Madrid’s 1-0 LaLiga loss at Mallorca last Sunday.
– It was the latest incident in which the Brazil forward has been the victim of racist abuse by opposition fans, but coach Ancelotti denied that the player’s form had been affected.
– “Vinicius has had the week we all had, hurt by the loss to Mallorca, but focused on preparing well for this tournament,” he said. “Vinicius won’t play on Wednesday [against Elche in LaLiga] as he’s suspended, I’ll give him a couple of days off. I think that will be good for him but not because he looks tired, not at all.”
– Real Madrid have won a record five Club World Cups, while midfielder Toni Kroos is the most decorated player in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy six times.
– Valverde’s brace in the final took his total for the season to 11 goals, meaning he has won a bet with coach Ancelotti, who had joked that he would retire if the midfielder didn’t get into double figures.
– “I don’t have to tear up my coaching license!” Ancelotti said. “Federico has had a difficult time, but he’s coming back. He’s scored two goals but it’s also about the energy he brings, with him and Vinicius on the wings, that gives us a lot up front.”
