Odion Ighalo will be targeting his first ever FIFA Club World Cup goal and trophy when Asian Champions League winners All Hilal slug it out against UEFA Champions League serial winners Real Madrid in the final of the competition later today at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The Saudi Arabia giants will be looking to win their first ever Club World Cup trophy and claim the $5m dollars reward that comes with the trophy while Los Blancos will be aiming for a record fifth title in the competition.
To reach the final, All Hilal had to face tough hurdles. They defeated hosts Wydad Casablanca 5-3 on penalties after regulation and extra time ended 1-1 before holding their nerves to pull past favourites Flamengo 3-2 in the semis. However, Madrid would be a tough customer for the Saudis.
Before the competition, the former Manchester United striker had scored nine goals in 13 games in Saudi Arabia but yet to find the back of the net in the competition. A win for All Hilal in the final will be the first for a nation outside Europe and South America.
Despite starting the games against Wydad and Flamengo the Nigerian has fired blanks. However, he would be hoping to save his best for last against the Europeans.
With their array of stars such as Vinicius Junior, Luna Modric, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Anthony Rudiger and a host of other superstars, Madrid are favourite to win the title. The Spanish side showed their might in the competition with a 4-1 win over Africa’s most successful club, All Ahly in the semifinal.