The Real Madrid squad seeks a mental spark to cut through the noise of a demanding schedule. In the semi finals, the focus centers on key figures like Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and Karim Benzema, whose roles are crucial as the calendar tightens and losses mount. The Club World Cup offers a chance to assert dominance against Al Ahly, a team with a storied history in this tournament, and to do so in Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred style.
Real Madrid has never trailed in the Club World Cup since the format shift from the Intercontinental Cup, boasting four titles from five appearances as European champions. It marks the culmination of a long journey for Madrid fans, filled with unforgettable comebacks in the Champions League season after season.
Between Real Madrid and Al Ahly, the two clubs with the most appearances in the Club World Cup since 2000, several meetings have yet to occur in official competition. Madrid arrives facing a new test, especially after a challenging league campaign that saw their title defense stumble, widening the gap behind Barcelona on the table. The league race remains a priority as Madrid eyes a strong response on the global stage.
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— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) February 7, 2023
Real Madrid enters a packed period of fixtures with eight games in 28 days, a grueling schedule that has tested the squad’s depth. January showed a notable improvement in physical form, yet maintaining peak performance with such rapid turnover proved difficult, despite the revival sparked by cup comebacks against Villarreal and Atlético de Madrid.
Al Hilal shocks Flamengo and advances to the Club World Cup final
February moved the Club World Cup forward, placing the tournament where Europe’s dominance is most expected. Madrid, the universal favorite, must cope with the absence of several core players in the semi finals. Courtois, Militao, and Benzema are sidelined for this critical phase, while Ferland Mendy, Lucas Vázquez, and Eden Hazard also miss out. Ancelotti must navigate a reshaped squad in pursuit of the trophy.
Andriy Lunin will guard the net, David Alaba faces a positional decision, and Eduardo Camavinga could operate as a left back or a central defender. The midfield looks like a return to the trusted trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and a reconfigured unit, with Kroos adding the most Club World Cup experience in this lineup after successes with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
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— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) February 7, 2023
The club atmosphere around Vinicius Junior remains electric, a reminder of the intense scrutiny and expectation Madrid faces in every away fixture. Benzema, often the match winner, remains a focal point for rival defenses as Madrid eyes a potential final appearance. The situation involving racist abuse in some Spanish stadiums has become a global concern and Madrid continues to insist on immediate action to address this serious issue.
Al Ahly carries a storied legacy into this clash, aiming to extend a record of strong showings in the tournament. Their efficiency in the group stage and their experience against deep European squads have earned respect as they prepare to face Madrid’s veteran leadership and youthful dynamism alike.
Al Ahly is known for a disciplined approach, having conceded goals sparingly in recent league play. Their coach, Swiss strategist Marcel Koller, must decide between Mohamed Sherif and Percy Tau in a frontline that can stretch Madrid’s defensive lines. Madrid will need to monitor El Shahat’s dribbling and Abdelkader Badr’s movements closely as the game unfolds.
Koller has rejected a more conservative Mallorca-inspired approach and emphasized an aggressive start. The message to his players is clear: be proactive with ball pressure and avoid inviting Madrid into a controlled contest. This Al Ahly side brings a wealth of trophies and a long history, and their presence in the semi finals adds weight to the challenge faced by Madrid.
Data sheet:
Al Ahly: Shenoawy; Mohamed Hany, Mahmoud Metwaly, Abdel Monem, Ali Maaloul; Aliou Dieng, El Shahat, Hamdy Fathy, Al-Sulaya; Abd El Kadir and Sharif.
Real Madrid: Lunin; Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger, Alaba; Tchouameni or Camavinga, Kroos, Modric; Valverde, Vinicius, Rodrygo.
Referee: Andres Matonte (Uruguay)
Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdellah.
Kick-off: 20:00 (19:00 GMT).
Sources note the ongoing conversation around the Club World Cup, with match reports and player updates tracked by major outlets and club communications. The focus remains on the tactical adjustments Madrid must make to convert opportunities into a trophy-winning run while addressing social issues that accompany high-profile football in 2025.