Real Madrid defeated Al-Hilal 5-3 in the Club World Cup final on Saturday to be crowned world champions. Madrid’s front three of Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Vinícius Jr. were at their best and scored all of Madrid’s goals.
Al-Hilal became the first club from Saudi Arabia to make the Club World Cup final and didn’t give Real Madrid an easy time. No club outside of Europe and South America has ever won the competition and that streak lives on.
Al-Hilal never led in the game but managed to keep things interesting for the 90 minutes.
Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal highlights
Initially the game looked like it was doomed to be a Real Madrid blowout. Vini Jr. opened the scoring in the 13th minute and then Valverde doubled the lead five minutes later.
IT'S VINI JR'S WORLD AND WE'RE JUST LIVING IN IT
He fires @realmadriden in front! pic.twitter.com/2VobXZ4kdC— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 11, 2023
FEDE VALVERDE WITH A STUNNER!
Real Madrid are ahead early 2-0 over Al Hilal pic.twitter.com/6LLHaYd9WA— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 11, 2023
Former Porto star and Al-Hilal forward Moussa Marega gave Saudi fans hope in the 26th minute when he struck on a quick counterattack to make it 2-1.
They're right back in this @Alhilal_EN isn't going anywhere as Moussa Marega puts one back! pic.twitter.com/Nd3tFS6N0G
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 11, 2023
Benzema, who missed Madrid’s last two games due to injury, marked his return with a goal in the second half to extend the lead to 3-1. Vini Jr. provided a sublime assist with the outside of the foot. Sheesh!
BENZZZZZ!
He finds the back of the net for Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup Final pic.twitter.com/SpW4kDXJCR— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 11, 2023
It’s no wonder Vini Jr. won player of the tournament.
The Real Madrid rout looked to be back on when Valverde added a fourth goal just four minutes after Benzema scored.
A brace for Valverde, four for Real Madrid ⚪️
This man continues to soar to new heights! pic.twitter.com/WssO7kX6Gn— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 11, 2023
Argentine journeyman Luciano Vietto kept things interesting for Al-Hilal in the second half with a brace. Vietto has had plenty of experience playing Real Madrid as he’s represented Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla and Valencia in his career.
The first goal Vietto scored for Atlético was against Real Madrid in 2015. He bested Real Madrid again on Saturday scoring in the 63rd minute.
GOL de Vietto
El Real Madrid se vuelve a dormir en la cama de la confianza y el @Alhilal_EN le vuelve a meter un susto con el segundo de su equipo. #MDCenFOX con @SirJohnLaguna @AIzquierdo10 y @pulpozuniga pic.twitter.com/mJEkOszZXF— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) February 11, 2023
Al-Hilal would get close to Madrid, but the Spanish club always responded. It was Vini Jr. who answered the call in the 69th minute to make it 5-2.
REAL MADRID IS RUNNING RIOT!
Vini Jr. scores the fifth goal of the match for Los Blancos! pic.twitter.com/oTrlesBASQ— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 11, 2023
Vietto secured his brace 10 minutes later to set up what could have been an exciting finale.
Another goal for Luciano Vietto
Is there a late comeback pending for @Alhilal_EN? pic.twitter.com/28HiQXdKTu— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 11, 2023
Marega will be wishing he did better with a chance in front of goal in the 81st minute. With the goal gaping in front of him he misfired and wasted a glorious chance. Imagine how exciting that last 10 minutes would have been if Al-Hilal was only down one goal.
Moussa Marega's close right-footed chance goes just wide
He's going to want that one back! pic.twitter.com/m4cmL7l4t2— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 11, 2023
Real Madrid have won the tournament more times than any other club and lifted the trophy for a fifth time. The last time Madrid won the Club World Cup was 2018.
A CLUB ABOVE THE REST! ⚪️
Real Madrid lift its FIFTH FIFA Club World Cup trophy, the most ever in history pic.twitter.com/T6timgKRLN— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 11, 2023
