Real Madrid are hoping to return home from Morocco with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy, having last lifted the global prize in 2018.
Los Blancos eventually brushed aside Al Ahly in the semi-final, inflating the 4-1 scoreline with a pair of late goals, and will now go up against Al Hilal, who surprised Flamengo in their last game.
Here’s a look at the starting XI that Carlo Ancelotti could pick…
GK: Andriy Lunin – Continues to deputise with no Thibaut Courtois.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Back from illness and could come straight in.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Has been a regular starter since the World Cup break.
CB: David Alaba – Not long back from injury and played 90 minutes in the semi-final. Eder Militao also remains a doubt, so could get the nod again quickly.
LB: Nacho – Could offer some more specialised cover instead of Eduardo Camavinga.
CM: Toni Kroos – Didn’t start the Mallorca defeat but was restored to the team against Al Ahly.
CM: Dani Ceballos – Has had a number of La Liga chances of late and came off the bench to get an assist in the semi-final here.
CM: Luka Modric – Another who played the whole game against Al Ahly after being rested in Mallorca.
RW: Rodrygo – Could move back to the right flank after filling in centrally against Al Ahly.
ST: Karim Benzema – Ancelotti described him as making progress after joining the squad since the semi-final. Won’t want to miss a second World Cup final this season.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Will English referee Anthony Taylor give him any more protection than he is used to in Spain?
