Real Madrid will lock horns with Al Ahly in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 on Thursday, February 9, at the Prince Moulay Abdallah stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The match is scheduled to start at 12:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Real Madrid, the current European champions, qualified directly for the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2023.
⚪️ Vinícius Júnior wins it as Madrid are crowned champions of Europe again! #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/c5c6rnp9NB
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022
According to the format of the tournament, the current trophy holders of the UEFA Champions League (Europe’s continental competition) and Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores (South America’s continental competition) qualify straight for the semis of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Talking about the reigning Spanish champions’ recent form, the Carlo Ancelotti-led side is currently second in the La Liga 2022-23 standings with 45 points from 20 matches, eight points behind their rivals FC Barcelona.
Los Blancos have progressed to the Copa del Rey semi-finals, where they will face FC Barcelona over two legs for a place in the final. As far as their Champions League 2022-23 credentials are concerned, they are slated to face Premier League side Liverpool in the Round of 16.
Unfortunately, Real Madrid have a few injury concerns ahead of the clash against Al Ahly. First-team stars Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and Karim Benzema will miss out due to injuries.
📋✅ Our 22 players travelling to Rabat!#ClubWC pic.twitter.com/Mg7fbCfhZl
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 6, 2023
Lucas Vazquez, Eden Hazard and Ferland Mendy too won’t feature in the competition.
On the other hand, Al Ahly defeated Auckland City FC (2022 OFC Champions League winners) and Seattle Sounders (2022 CONCACAF Champions League winners) by 3-0 and 1-0 scorelines, respectively, to reach the semi-final.
Team spirit is high.. VERY high🎚️🦅❤️#ClubWC#YallaYaAhly pic.twitter.com/yB8Uv2MOtR
— Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) February 6, 2023
Moreover, they lead the Egyptian Premier League standings with 37 points from 15 matches and are unbeaten in the league so far (11 wins and four draws).
The previous edition of the FIFA Club World Cup saw Chelsea FC emerge victorious. This time out, Real Madrid will be looking to bag a record-extending fifth title, after triumphs in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Where to watch Real Madrid vs Al Ahly FIFA Club World Cup 2023 semi-final match live in India?
There will be no live telecast of the Real Madrid vs Al Ahly FIFA Club World Cup 2023 semi-final in India.
Live streaming of the Real Madrid vs Al Ahly FIFA Club World Cup 2023 semi-final will be available on the FIFA+ app and FIFA’s official website.
Photo credit: Alamy