February 9 – Bayern Munich completed the line-up for the Club World Cup final following a brace from Robert Lewandowksi in a routine 2-0 win over African Champions Al Ahly in the semi-finals.
The European champions dominated their last-four encounter with the Egyptian club from start to finish to book a place in the final. On Thursday, Bayern can wrap up a full house of domestic, European and World titles for the 2019-20 season if they beat Mexico’s Tigres in the final. The final will also have the intriguing match-up of two of the world’s outstanding goalscorers in Lewandowski and Tigres’ profilic French striker Andre Gignac.
The Club World Cup is often unloved and bemoaned as an unwanted distraction by European clubs, but Hansi Flick’s team were typically relentless against Al Ahly, with Joshua Kimmich orchestrating the play from deep in midfield. The Egyptians maintained the conservative approach of their quarter-final victory over local club and host representative Al Duhail.
The endeavours of Pitso Mosimane’s team looked limited once confronted with a team that demonstrated the hunger, attitude and intent to keep on winning. The world’s best striker Robert Lewandowski struck twice to hand Bayern a victory that was both commanding and routine.
From the moment the Polish forward drove home the ball in the 17th minute, Bayern never looked like relinquishing the lead. In the 85th minute, Lewandowski ensured passage to the final with a free header at the far post.
“I’m glad we won the game,” said Flick. “We all noticed that the journey wasn’t perfect. In that respect, I am satisfied. But we also know that we have made life difficult for ourselves. I expect that we will do better in the final.”
Al Duhail secured fifth place in the finals with a 3-1 win over Ulsan Hyundai. Thursday’s final will be preceded by the third-place playoff between South American champions Palmeiras and Al Ahly.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1714440537labto1714440537ofdlr1714440537owedi1714440537sni@o1714440537fni1714440537