Real eye fifth CWC title

Real Madrid have proven they can find the net even if they must take the field without talisman Karim Benzema in Saturday's Club World Cup final against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in Morocco.

Carlo Ancelotti's side, reigning European and Spanish champions, are aiming to win the competition for a fifth time and build confidence after a shaky start to 2023.

If they win, this will be the second trophy of the season for Real, who lost the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona in January and have fallen eight points behind their rivals in the La Liga title race. Real lifted the European Super Cup in August

"We're very close to winning a trophy. It's been extremely difficult to get here and we've made a lot of sacrifices. I urge the team to enjoy this match and to do their best, while desiring to win," Ancelotti, on Friday, urged his team to give their all for the title.

Los Blancos are already the record four-time winners and are firm favourites to beat Al-Hilal after their 4-1 semifinal victory over Egyptian outfit Al Ahly on Wednesday.

Madrid won the competition under Ancelotti in 2014 during his first stint in charge, as well as in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Madrid captain Benzema missed the semifinal with a thigh injury but is set to train with the squad on Friday before the final.

Several other Madrid players have also been sidelined, including Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Lucas Vazquez and Eden Hazard, who will not make the final, while Eder Militao is another doubt.

Also, Ancelotti refused to take Al-Hilal lightly, who stunned Flamengo in the semifinal and are aiming to win the trophy for the first time.

"We have great respect for them, and they showed their quality by knocking out Flamengo in the semifinals," Ancelotti added.  

However after their goal glut against Al Ahly, Ancelotti will be confident his strikers can get the job done and make history on Saturday.