Kick-off: 1900, 11/02/2023
Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Real Madrid are confidently expected to give Europe a 10th straight success in the FIFA Club World Cup by brushing aside Al Hilal.
The Saudi Arabian underdogs upset Flamengo in the semi-finals and do not lack attacking options, but the Whites should prove a class apart.
Let’s go with 9/5 for the favourites to oblige and both teams to score as our first Real Madrid vs Al Hilal prediction.
Real Madrid Odds
Real arrived in Morocco on the back of a patchy run of domestic results but put that behind them with a 4-1 victory over Al Ahly.
Goals from Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Sergio Arribas sealed the win at this venue in Rabat.
Ali Maaloul’s spot-kick briefly made Madrid sweat but the Whites ultimately progressed in a convincing manner, despite Luka Modric missing a late spot-kick.
Real lifted this trophy in this country in 2014 with Carlo Ancelotti in charge, and then claimed a hat-trick of title triumphs from 2016 to 2018.
“We controlled the game pretty well,” the Italian told his club’s website. “It’s a great feeling to reach the final.
“The team’s improving and we did well because it was a match where we had everything to lose and nothing to win.
“When it was 2-0, it looked like we’d won the game and that’s not the way football is. We slowed down and thought we’d won.
“We then finished well, but we have to play well and remain focused until the final whistle.”
Ancelotti will demand 100 per cent from his players with this prestigious piece of silverware now on the line.
Looking at the Real Madrid vs Al Hilal odds, the Whites are 17/10 to win both halves.
Al Hilal Odds
Al Hilal looked set for an early exit when trailing home hopes Wyad Casablanca in the second round but Mohamed Kanno’s last-gasp penalty saved them.
The tie eventually went to a shoot-out and after Morocco star Yahya Attiat-Allah hit the woodwork for Wyad, the Blue Wave were successful with all five spot-kicks.
Former River Plate and Paraguay boss Ramon Diaz then saw his side stun Brazilian giants Flamengo 3-2 in the semis.
Salem Al-Dawsari, who scored in Saudi Arabia’s shock 2-1 victory over Argentina at the World Cup, fired in two first-half penalties.
Ex-Villarreal and Atletico Madrid player Luciano Vietto also netted and Flamengo, who had Gerson sent off, could only reply with a Pedro double.
Moussa Marega, Odion Ighalo, Gustavo Cuellar and Andre Carrillo are other familiar faces in this team with extensive experience in Europe.
Ancelotti admitted: “We have to respect this team. They’ve got good players and play well collectively.
“Football’s changing because there’re a lot of teams all over the world that can compete, fight and win too.
“They’ll be excited to play in the final and so will we. We have to prepare well for the match.”
However, he did add: “I was surprised that Flamengo were eliminated, but they’re in pre-season and their fitness level isn’t at its peak.”
The Spanish giants should have too much quality here and 3/1 for them to win by two goals is added to our Real Madrid vs Al Hilal betting tips, along with 19/2 for a 3-1 scoreline.
Additional stats
Last result:
Al Ahly 1-4 REAL MADRID – Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, Sergio Arribas
Flamengo 2-3 AL HILAL – Salem Al-Dawsari (2 pens), Luciano Vietto
Head-to-head: N/A
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