Al Ahly – Real Madrid : Preview & Prediction
Third time lucky for Al-Ahly? The Cairo-based side face Real Madrid in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC), after losing 2-0 to Bayern Munich and Palmeiras in the last two editions of the competition. The Egyptian side, which needed a goal in the 88th minute to beat the Seattle Sounders 1-0, will be aiming to reach its first CWC final (best finish: 3rd). To do so, they will have to defeat the only four-time champions in the history of the competition.
Playing in North Africa may give Al-Ahly a slight advantage, as they are familiar with the atmosphere and have been in Morocco longer than their opponents. The Egyptian side are unbeaten in 23 matches (G19, E4), a run that allows them to go into a match against anyone with confidence. It is also worth noting that their defense has kept a clean sheet in each of their last four official matches (G4).
This seems a propitious moment to face Real Madrid, depleted by several very important absentees (Courtois, Militão, Benzema) and who have traveled to Morocco after suffering an unexpected 1-0 defeat away to Mallorca on Sunday. As a result of the stumble in Palma, Los Blancos are now eight points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race, but Ancelotti’s side must put aside their league situation to focus on fighting to win their fifth CWC title.
Los Blancos have shone throughout their history in this tournament, suffering just one defeat to date (G10, E1, P1), although only one of their victories in the competition has been achieved over an African club (3-2 vs Raja Casablanca, 2000). After taking a step backwards in their defense of the league championship, Madrid needs to regain sensations and get back to winning ways in a clash between the most successful clubs in Europe and Africa.
Players to watch: Mohamed Sherif has scored four goals in Al-Ahly’s last four games, but none of them came before the 30th minute. No player has won this tournament more times than Toni Kroos (five titles), and the Blancos midfielder heads into his debut in this edition having scored or assisted six goals for Madrid this season (G2, A4).
Weekend stat: There has been a goal after the 80th minute in four of Al-Ahly’s last five games (G5).
Al Ahly – Real Madrid : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.00
