Real Madrid emerged as world champions with a convincing 5-3 victory over Al-Hilal, sealing another prestigious trophy in a season already filled with success. The Spaniards showcased their strength but also exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, while Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde drove the charge with two goals apiece. Karim Benzema added the fourth, and Vietto pulled one back for Ramón Díaz’s side. It marked Real Madrid’s eighth Club World Cup triumph.
From the first whistle, Real Madrid appeared focused and ready for a final. They pressed high and moved the ball with intent, grabbing the lead in the 13th minute when Vinicius finished a quick sequence with Benzema, giving the Brazilian winger another standout performance in a tournament defined by his involvement and impact. In two games at the event, Vinicius had already contributed three goals and an assist, underscoring his role as a decisive figure on the biggest stage for clubs.
Fede Valverde was another standout, delivering on a personal promise to his coach and reaching double digits for goals in the season. As a finishing touch, he added an 11th strike late in the match, demonstrating his return to peak form and a renewed energy that energized Madrid throughout the night.
Reactions to Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Triumph
Florentino Pérez, after the game
“To win a World Cup, you have to win a Champions League. Real Madrid has a deep connection with the Champions League, and this Club World Cup victory sits as a proud milestone on that journey.”
“Every title carries weight. This one is special because it follows a Champions League triumph; being European and world champions is a source of pride for everyone involved.”
“We must keep working, because every trophy is the starting point for aiming higher in the next challenge.”
“The blend of veteran leadership and young talent, guided by Carlo Ancelotti, has created a team that embodies Madridismo and quality. They are nearly unbeatable when they perform at their best.”
Carlo Ancelotti, after the game
“We are very happy. We are world champions and we played a serious game. The front line of Vinicius, Benzema, and Valverde was excellent. We achieved our goal.”
“The atmosphere has been fantastic all week. The city has been clean and respectful, and we’ve had strong support from our fans in the stadium. We’re returning home with the trophy, and that matters most.”
“We conceded goals that could have been avoided, but the team showed quality throughout. This title provides momentum for the final stretch of the season.”
“I thanked Valverde for keeping his focus. He has endured a tough spell and is finding his best form again, delivering not just goals but energy that lifts the whole team.”
“Vini is progressing nicely. His development has coincided with the team’s success, including a Champions League and a World Cup. He is much more efficient now and makes a difference in every match.”
“Milan and Real Madrid are two storied clubs, connected by presidents and tradition. It’s a privilege to be part of this shared history.”
“I love football in general. It’s exciting to see the game improving globally. European football remains strong, and progress is visible across other continents as well.”
“The week Vinicius had mirrored the team’s journey: after Mallorca’s setback, they refocused on the Club World Cup and celebrated a deserved title. He is set to serve a sanction against Elche but will return against Osasuna, showing no visible fatigue—just continued energy.”
“Tchouaméni is just a minor knock, nothing serious.”
Minute by Minute
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Full time!
Minute 90. Seven added.
Minute 80. Vallejo comes in for Carvajal.
Minute 79. Vietto finishes superbly, turning and shooting into an open goal after a sharp move. Argentina’s quality on display.
Minute 74. Nacho and Asensio replace Kroos and Modric. Camavinga shifts into midfield as the play evolves.
Minute 70. Vinicius makes it five with a tidy finish after a smart link-up with Ceballos.
Minute 63. Vietto scores again as Al-Hilal’s defense is caught out of shape and Lunin is beaten. 4-2.
Minute 61. Rodrygo and Ceballos enter; Benzema and Tchouaméni depart.
Minute 58. Valverde nets a double, calmly finishing a precise move to make it 4-1.
Minute 54. Benzema slots home after Vinicius’s outside-of-the-boot pass, making it 3-1.
Minute 46. The second half begins.
Rest. Real Madrid lead 2-1 after a competitive first 45 minutes.
45+ minute. Modric barely misses from distance, testing the keeper with a precise strike.
Minute 45. Two shots cleared; the drama continues.
Minute 40. Benzema comes close after Valverde’s powerful cross, but the shot misses narrowly.
Minute 25. Marega scores for Al-Hilal after a left-side break, cutting through Madrid’s early lead. The match remains taut.
Minute 18. Valverde appears to score again, but the effort is ruled offside before compensating with a brave finish later.
Minute 13. Vinicius opens the scoring with a composed finish after a well-worked buildup involving Benzema and Valverde.
Eight minutes in, Benzema drops a gilt-edged chance wide, offside anyway, while Madrid threaten again on the counter.
Minute 4. Rudiger snuffs out Vietto’s shot at the edge of the box, a timely defensive stop.
Minute 1. The match kicks off.
19:45 | Players will be taken to the dressing rooms for pre-match instructions.
19:25 | More than half an hour before kickoff, Madrid’s stars warm up on the field.
19:15 | Lunin begins warm-up on the Rabat pitch.
6:40 pm | Al-Hilal confirm their XI, Ighalo among substitutes.
6pm | Real Madrid confirm their starting lineup, Benzema among them.
5pm | Three hours before kickoff, Real Madrid chase their second title of the season and their first in 2023 against current Asian champions Al-Hilal.
Where to watch Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal?
Confirmed Lineups of Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal
Real Madrid (1-4-3-3): Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Tchouameni, Kroos, Modric; Valverde, Vinicius, Rodrygo
Al Hilal (1-4-3-3): Al Muayouf; Abdulhamid, Hyun-Soo, Al Bulayhi, Khalifah Al Dawsari; Carrillo, Kanno, Cuellar; Salem Al Dawsari, Marega, Vietto.
Source: Goal