Real Madrid defeated hosts Al-Ain to become 2018 Club World Cup champions.
First Half
Al-Ain showed no fear at the beginning of the game. The host team went head-to-head with the European champions during the opening minutes of the match. They had a couple of scoring chances but were unable to finish and get on the scoreboard. Unfortunately for them, Real Madrid did not miss their chance to score. Luka Modric opened up the scoring with a laser-like shot to the bottom corner of the net off a counterattack. Just like that Madrid was up by one at the fifteen minute.
The Spanish club took control of ball possession and pace of play as their rivals struggled retaining the ball while trying to be over aggressive. Despite dominating most of the half Madrid could only convert once. They had the lead by a small margin.
Both teams headed to the showers with Real Madrid up 1-0.
Second Half
Los Merengues kept dominating the match at the start of the second set of 45 minutes. They showed good ball retention and superb passing as Al-Ain settled to attack on counters. The game remained tight on the scoreboard until the hour stuck on Abu Dahbi. Marcos Llorente smashed a ball from outside the box beating goalkeeper Khalid Eisa for their second goal. The Spanish XI was up by two at the 60th minute.
Captain Sergio Ramos added another goal to the scoreboard scoring off a corner. Al-Ain seemed nonexistent until Tsuaksa Shiotani got one back at the 86th minute. The joy of scoring lasted little time for the host squad as an own goal by Yaha Nader finished off the game.
After 90 minutes of play, Real Madrid captured their seventh Club World Cup title.
Final Score: Real Madrid 4-1 Al-Ain Fc