Real Madrid are seeking their fifth FIFA Club World Cup title as they battle Al Hilal in the final on Saturday. The European champions showed their superior quality in the semi-finals and should be too strong for the Saudi Arabian side.
Real Madrid were excellent in their 4-1 semi-final victory over Egyptian side Al Ahly. They led at the break through Vinicius Junior while Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Sergio Arribas were also on target.
Judging by the semi-final performance, Real Madrid appear to have put their domestic struggles behind them and are fully focused on winning a fifth Club World Cup title. Having already lost out in the Spanish Super Cup, they will be keen to get their hands on the trophy in Morocco.
Real Madrid will be relying on their vast experience in this competition having never lost a final. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will also be looking to their superior attack after putting four past Al Ahly in the semi-final.
Al Hilal progressed to the semi-final in last year’s Club World Cup and have now gone one better this time around. They have made some solid inroads in the competition in recent years, although this will be their first appearance in the final.
The Saudi Arabian side may be set for Sunday’s showpiece but they have not been as dominant as Real Madrid. First, they needed penalties to overcome Morocco side Wydad Casablanca before edging out Brazilian giants Flamengo 3-2 in the semi-final.
One problem for Al Hilal at this year’s Club World Cup is their inability to hold on to leads. Ramon Diaz’s men have conceded three goals in their two matches in Morocco and could find things difficult against Real Madrid’s superior attack.
How the bookies view
Real Madrid are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 3/10 by bet365. A victory for Al Hilal is valued at 8/1 by Paddy Power while a draw is set at odds of 9/2 by bet365.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Real Madrid and Al Hilal.
Players to watch
Vinicius Junior made it four goals in seven matches across all competitions with his effort in the semi-final. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime on Saturday at 6/4 with bet365.
Odion Ighalo is the leading scorer for Al Hilal this season, although he is yet to find the net at this year’s Club World Cup. The Nigerian striker could be backed to get on the score sheet on Sunday at 10/3 with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Real Madrid’s result in the reverse fixture, a -1 handicap could be considered at 8/11 with Paddy Power. Los Blancos won both halves in the semi-final and could be set for a similar outcome at 9/5 with William Hill.
Both teams saw over 3.5 goals in their semi-final fixture and a repeat is priced at 13/10 with Unibet. The Spaniards could also be tipped to score in both halves at 5/6 with bet365.
This Club World Cup match between Real Madrid and Al Hilal will be played on Feb 11, 2023 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Madrid vs Al Hilal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
