Inspired Vinícius Júnior helps Real Madrid book final spot

Real Madrid entered the FIFA Club World Cup 2022 with a statement of intent, defeating CAF representatives Al Ahly 4-1.

The last of the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2022™ semi-finals saw the highly anticipated Real Madrid enter the frame by taking on Egypt's Al Ahly. The CAF Champions League runners-up had already progressed through the first and second round of the competition, beating Auckland City and Seattle Sounders respectively. Despite Al Ahly's strong tournament run, it was Real Madrid who came out on top, securing themselves a place in Saturday's final against Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

Semi-final: Al Ahly SC 1-4 Real Madrid CF

MAN OF THE MATCH presented by Visit Saudi: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

This eventful semi-final was dominated with the high intensity and attacking play of the UEFA champions, with scorer of the opening goal, Vinícius Júnior, being named the Man of the Match by our Technical Study Group (TSG). The Brazilian was also fouled for a penalty which Real Madrid veteran Luka Modrić failed to convert. All three of Real Madrid's forward players ended up on the scoresheet but it was Vinícius Júnior who caught the eye of our TSG, who were attending the game at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

According to Cha Du-Ri, "Vinícius Júnior looked so sharp in this game. He created a very big chance before he pounced on a defensive error to score the first goal. He looked really up for it, went 1v1, dropped into the pocket to receive, then would turn and go. He was so dangerous, and it was great to watch him when he was performing like this.

"He has great pace and is explosive which makes him so difficult to defend against, exactly as we saw when he was fouled for a penalty. The game became exciting every time he got that ball and I hope he can play like that again in the final," he added.

These observations were confirmed when our Performance Analysis team analysed Vinícius Júnior's match data. He was ranked number one in the game for offers to receive (96), with 58 of these being made in behind, and 63 being made inside Ah Alhy's team shape. He was also the game's top-ranked player for sprints of > 20km/h with 83 bursts of pace, which was 54 above the average in this match.

Vinícius Júnior makes a well-timed run down the inside-left channel and in behind the Al Ahly defensive line. After receiving the pass, he almost finds the net despite the narrow angle.

For his goal Vinícius Júnior preys on a defensive error and then calmly dinks the ball past the goalkeeper.

The chopping and changing of Vinícius Júnior's run proves too much for Al Ahly's defence, who eventually concede the penalty.