The rival of the white team tops invites to the Mundialito, yet they hold the record for African Champions League titles
The Real Madrid side makes its 2023 Club World Cup debut this Wednesday, facing a familiar league rival, Al Ahly. This is a clash between two storied programs, with Al Ahly having already delivered a 3-0 win over Auckland City and a 1-0 victory against the Seattle Sounders in recent showings of the tournament.
Keep up with every facet of the Al Ahly versus Real Madrid match from the 2023 Club World Cup as it unfolds live.
Where Al Ahly comes from, its squad, standout players, why the Club World Cup exists, and insights into Real Madrid playing against this historic rival
Al Ahly represents Egypt and stands as a symbol of African club football excellence. Across a 116-year history, the club has accumulated more than 140 trophies, earning the status of Africa’s most successful club with ten African Champions League titles and a record of success in the continent’s premier competitions, with numerous domestic honors accompanying that haul.
The Club World Cup, however, has presented a tougher assignment for Al Ahly. The team has taken part in seven editions and claimed bronze on three occasions. They were runners-up in 2006 in Mexico during a tournament that featured global clubs, claimed bronze after penalties in 2020 against Palmeiras of Brazil, and finished with a bronze in 2021 after a final played in Saudi Arabia against Al Hilal.
In this edition, the Moroccan-hosted Mundialito format invites a team to represent Africa by virtue of its status as the continent’s top club. Previously, the local champions would be the host’s representative, but FIFA selected Al Ahly as the Africa runner-up after the 2022 competitions, recognizing the club’s sustained success and presence on the continental stage.
Al Ahly’s squad is dominated by a mix of African players with a strong core of Egyptians stabilizing the lineup. The club’s top scorer this season is Mohamed Sherif, a 27-year-old Egyptian forward who has already found the back of the net five times in the domestic league. Yet the team’s reputation rests more on its collective discipline, strategic organization, and the depth of its squad, rather than a single superstar who carries the team every match.
As the match approaches, fans anticipate a strategic battle where Al Ahly will rely on counterattacks and solid defense to challenge Real Madrid’s technical supremacy. Real Madrid, historically among the most successful teams in world football, brings a blend of experience, depth, and a modern style built on quick transitions and precise ball control. The upcoming encounter is framed as a test of contrasting football cultures and a reminder of the global reach of club football today.
Former clashes between these clubs and their recent form suggest a match rich with tactical nuance. For Al Ahly, maintaining compact lines and executing sharp, fast breaks will be crucial to testing Madrid’s defense. For Real Madrid, patience in possession, exploiting space, and pressing high at the right moments could open opportunities against a resilient African powerhouse. Tactical theories aside, the match is a showcase of two clubs that have shaped their destinies through perseverance, tradition, and a willingness to compete on every platform they enter.
Source: Goal