Real Madrid made history as they lifted a record fifth FIFA Club World Cup trophy on Saturday night with a 5-3 win over Al Hilal.
While the UEFA Champions League title holders raced to a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes of play thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde, Al Hilal – the first-ever Saudi Arabian side to appear in the final – pulled a goal back in the 26th-minute courtesy of Moussa Marega.
Los Blancos came out swinging after the half-time break, with Benzema getting on the scoresheet and Valverde bagging a second goal within 15 minutes of the restart. While Luciano Vietto scored twice to restore the Saudi side’s pride, this comeback proved too late as Vinicius Junior’s second goal handed Real Madrid the victory.
“I think we’re improving, there were some mistakes at the back but a lot of quality up front,” Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said of his team following their victory. “It’s been a good tournament for us, the improvement we’ve seen in recent games, the rest of the season we’re excited to fight until the end in every minute, every game, every competition.”
