In a thrilling 5-3 victory, Real Madrid beat Al-Hilal to win the Club World Cup.
Vinicius started things off in the 13th minute, slipping the ball past Al-Hilal keeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf.
Five minutes later, Valverde extended Real Madrid’s lead with a spectacular shot on the post from the edge of the area.
Midway through the first half, Al-Hilal managed to cut back, with Moussa Marega finishing off a fantastic assist from Mohammed Kanno.
But Benzema quickly restored Real Madrid’s two-goal lead early in the second half, thanks to a pass from Vinicius. Valverde then made it 4-1 at the hour of play.
Despite a Luciano Vietto goal in the 63rd minute, Al-Hilal’s comeback hopes were dashed by Dani Ceballos, who scored from close range to make it 5–2.
Although Vietto scored his second of the night in the 79th minute to bring the score to 5-3, Marega missed an open goal that could have moved the club even closer to the Saudi League.
Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelloti, was proclaimed champion and won its first trophy of the season.
The reigning Champions League holders will face Liverpool in the round of 16. On paper, a win for the Spanish team should be easy, given Liverpool’s mediocre performances this season.
However, if history has taught us anything, it is never to underestimate the Reds on European nights.
