Real Madrid are in the midst of a crisis, but as always, the best medicine they can arrange for themselves is a title.
Tonight (Wednesday) they can take a significant step on the way there, if they beat Al Ahly in the semi-finals of the Club World Championship.
The Blancos landed at the tournament in Morocco short-handed, with Thibaut Courtois, Ader Militau, Perlan Mendy and Karim Benzema absent from the semi-final against Egyptian rivals.
In place of the Belgian, Andrei Lunin stepped up between the posts, while in the center of the defense was David Elba, who came on as a substitute in the loss to Mallorca in the first and was included in the 11 for the first time since the injury that disabled him a month ago.
Eduardo Camabinga continues as Carlo Ancelotti's improvisation at left back.
Orleans Tshoumani in midfield alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who returned to the midfield at the expense of Dani Sabaios.
In Benzema's absence, Rodrigo stepped up with Vinicius Jr. and Federico Valverde on the wings.
Marco Asensio is waiting on the bench and may be rested, this after feeling sensitive in the hours before the game.
The Egyptians will try to create another sensation in the semi-finals on the way to the All-Arab final, after the Saudi El Hilal won 2:3 over the Brazilian Flamengo in the first semi-final yesterday.
returned to the lineup.
David Alaba (Photo: Reuters)
the progress of the game
17th minute: Modric picked up a corner and Rudiger hit Real's first shot into the frame, but the keeper stopped.
19 min: Al Ahly went on a great burst and Sharif could have bought his world, but kicked out under the pressure.
27th minute: Modric sent a great ball towards Vinicius, who in front of the goalkeeper at a somewhat difficult angle from the left kicked out.
29th minute: Rodrigo caught a ball, entered the box from the left and kicked to the near corner, but only met the crossbar.
31st minute: El Shahat overcame the defense and kicked from a difficult angle, but Lunin headed for the corner.
42nd minute: Goal!
Vinicius took control of a ball after a mistake in the defense and in front of the goalkeeper bounced elegantly in.
0:1 to Real Madrid.
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Al Ahli