Real Madrid reached the Club World Cup final with a 4-1 win over Egypt’s Al Ahly on Wednesday in Morocco, thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo and Sergio Arribas.
The European champions took the lead before half-time through a Vinicius chip and then Valverde slammed in the second after the break.
Madrid had a more nervous spell than expected after Ali Maaloul secured his 10th African Champions League title in the match from the penalty spot.
Luka Modric missed the last penalty for Los Blancos, possibly distracted by a laser pointer shining in the face of the stands, with Mohamed El Shenawy saving the effort.
Rodrygo added a fine finish in stoppage time after a good combination with youngster Dani Ceballos and Arribas completed the victory.
Madrid will face Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, who beat Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo, in Saturday’s final.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who have won the Club World Cup for the fourth time, are hoping that the tournament will be a distraction from their domestic struggles.
But the Spanish giants are struggling to get going at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, without injured stars Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois among others.
Al Ahly, who beat MLS side Seattle Sounders and Auckland City en route to the semi-finals, remained tight at the back and Madrid worked hard to break away.
Vinicius fired wide from a tight angle and Rodrygo hit the post with a dinked effort after pressing well to win the ball back.
When it appeared that the Egyptian team was ready for half-time with honors, Mahmoud Metwaly made a mistake, allowing Vinicius to rob him and run with the goal.
The Brazilian carefully lifted the ball over El Shenawy to break the deadlock.
Valverde doubled Madrid’s lead at the start of the second half, taking one fine touch to control a loose ball in the box and then blasting home the second.
The Uruguayan has not played well since returning from the World Cup and Madrid will be hoping his first goal since November can help him find the form he felt before the tournament.
Madrid were denied a penalty to end the match when Vinicius fell in the area but VAR did not correct the referee’s decision to award a corner.
Then Eduardo Camavinga, playing on the left again, was penalized for tackling Hussein El Shahat in the box on the other side and Maaloul sent Andriy Lunin the wrong way from the spot.
Afsha should have leveled for the underdogs but powered a golden chance over the bar after receiving a cut-back in the middle of the box.
Al Ahly were made to pay when Rodrygo and substitute Arribas struck in stoppage time to seal Madrid’s victory.