Real Madrid begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a semi-final clash against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly on Wednesday.
Los Blancos head into the tournament off the back of a shock 1-0 defeat to Mallorca that leaves them eight points adrift of Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
However, they can receive a big confidence boost by lifting their fifth Club World Cup title – starting with a final-four clash against Al Ahly, who beat MLS side Seattle Sounders to reach this stage.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match:
Al Ahly vs Real Madrid H2H Results (Last Five Games)
This is the first meeting between these two teams.
Current Form (Last Five Games)
United Kindgom
United States
Canada
Al Ahly team news
Al Ahly didn’t pick up any injuries or suspensions against the Sounders and have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Al Ahly starting 11 (4-1-4-1): Shenawi; Hany, Matwalli, Abdelmonem, Maaloul; Dieng; Kahraba, Afsha, Sulaya, Mohamed; Tau.
Real Madrid team news
First-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was injured in the warm-up prior to the loss to Mallorca at the weekend and is highly unlikely to feature. Real Madrid also face doubts over Karim Benzema and Eder Militao, while Ferland Mendy and Lucas Vazquez are out.
Carlo Ancelotti also hinted he could rotate in this match.
Real Madrid starting 11 (4-3-3): Lunin; Odriozola, Rudiger, Nacho, Camavinga; Kroos, Ceballos, Modric; Asensio, Diaz, Rodrygo.
Real Madrid come into this match with their egos bruised after losing to Mallorca at the weekend, while their current fitness issues leave them rather short of options. Even so, Ancelotti is primed to rotate his starting XI, offering Al Ahly confidence of giving the European champions a run for their money.
Los Blancos will remain heavy favourites and should still have enough, but if they underperform even a little, their Egyptian opponents are in-form and ready to pounce.
Prediction: Al Ahly 0-2 Real Madrid
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