UEFA Champions League (UCL) winners Real Madrid will face Egypt’s Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup 2022 semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday. The football match will kick off at 12:30 AM IST (Indian Standard Time).
The six reigning continental champions, from Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF), Europe (UEFA), Oceania (OFC), North America (CONCACAF) and South America (CONMEBOL), and a club from the host country were supposed to play in the FIFA Club World Cup 2022.
However, since Wydad Casablanca, who qualified courtesy of being the African Champions League 2021-22 winners, are from hosts Morocco, the slot went to Al Ahly - the CAF Champions League 2021-22 runner-ups.
As per the FIFA Club World Cup format, European champions Real Madrid joined the tournament from the semi-final stage. Al Ahly, meanwhile, took the longer route and blanked New Zealand’s Auckland City 3-0 and USA’s Seattle Sounders FC 1-0 in the first and second rounds, respectively.
Watch Al Ahly vs Real Madrid FIFA Club World Cup 2022 semi-final on live streaming in India.
Real Madrid are also the most successful team at the FIFA Club World Cup, having won four titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) in the 18 editions played so far. Egyptian team Al Ahly have reached the semi-finals four times but are yet to reach a final.
The winner of the match will face Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, the AFC Champions League winners, in the final on Saturday. Al Hilal, who lost to Chelsea in the semi-final of the last edition, defeated Brazilian club Flamengo 3-2 in the first semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2022.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will be without the services of Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to injuries.
As for Al Ahly, they will look for inspiration from their goalkeeper and captain Mohamed El-Shenawy against the European champions.
Where to watch Al Ahly vs Real Madrid FIFA Club World Cup 2022 semi-final live in India
Live streaming of Al Ahly vs Real Madrid FIFA Club World Cup 2022 semi-final match will be available on FIFA’s official YouTube Channel. There will be no telecast of Al Ahly vs Real Madrid FIFA Club World Cup 2022 semi-final on any TV channel in India.
Al Ahly vs Real Madrid FIFA Club World Cup 2022 semi-final schedule and live India match start time
All in India Standard Times (IST)
February 9, Thursday
Al Ahly vs Real Madrid - 12:30 AM IST