Real Madrid rule the world again! Winners, losers & ratings as Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde & Karim Benzema strike in Club World Cup final

Federico Valverde:

His first goal might have been fortunate - the product of a horrible blunder by the keeper - but Valverde badly needed to see the ball hit the net. The midfielder was evolving into a reliable goalscorer before the World Cup, but dropped off immensely after his time in Qatar. But there were echoes of his old self on Saturday evening. Valverde was elegant on the ball and immensely effective in the final third, bagging a brace while being heavily involved in Madrid's suddenly fluid build up play. Yes, the opposition wasn't of the highest quality, but it might be exactly what Valverde needed.

Vinicius Junior:

There was a kind of joy to Vinicius' game on Saturday that hasn't been seen for some time. The winger has been battered with on field mistreatment and rancid racial abuse over the last six weeks. And, not unreasonably, it appeared to be getting to him. But in Morocco, away from the controversy of La Liga, the Brazilian has thrived. He bagged a brace in the final, his third goal of the Club World Cup. There was a real ease to his finishing too, the comfort of a player entirely relaxed and confident in his abilities. He was a delight to watch.

The Club World Cup:

Yes, major clubs in the middle of their league campaigns really don't need to jet off to play a far inferior team. But what a game this was. Madrid probably should have scored five, and really shouldn't have conceded three. But, more than anything, that added to the fun. Madrid never really looked in danger of losing the contest; each goal was a product of individual errors rather than Al-Hilal brilliance. Still, Los Blancos were just careless enough to make it all a bit fun. As far as needless games go, this was a fantastic one to watch.

Antonio Rudiger:

He wasn't the only Real Madrid player to turn in a poor defensive performance, but Rudiger's wayward play directly contributed to two of Al-Hilal's goals. He was caught out of position on the first, and gave the ball away in the run-up to another. With Militao out and David Alaba working his way back to full fitness, Rudiger is the only fit first-choice centre-back. And his poor spell is something of a concern as Madrid enters a period of must-win contests.

Luka Modric:

Was this Modric's last final in a Madrid shirt? The Croatian hasn't looked the same player since the World Cup, with his 37-year-old legs finally showing signs of slowing down. He was, predictably, handed the start against Al-Hilal, as Ancelotti fielded his strongest XI. But he was the weakest of three Madrid midfielders, and with Dani Ceballos lifting the level after he came on, it's easy to wonder how much longer Modric might be a surefire starter.

Andriy Lunin (5/10):

Conceded three without doing loads wrong. Probably has more grievances with his back four than individual showing. A wayward pass or two didn't help, though.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Seems to have benefitted from some time off, and turned in a lively performance.

Antonio Rudiger (5/10):

Shaky, which isn't very good. Will need to improve in the coming weeks.

David Alaba (6/10):

Given problems by the strength of Marega, and should have done better on the forward's goal. Looked more comfortable at left-back.

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Good at left-back, even better in central-midfield. A delightful player to watch who will surely only get better. Bellingham who?

Luka Modric (6/10):

Uncharacteristically leggy from the Croatian, who is really starting to show his age. This could be his last final in a Madrid shirt.

Aurelien Tchoaumeni (6/10):

Fantastic at winning the ball, not as good once he'd actually won it. Seemed to get himself banged up - Ancelotti will hope it's not serious.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

Classy, measured, technically sound. A signature Kroos performance, who loves these slower-paced games these days.

Fede Valverde (8/10):

Must be immensely relieved to have scored twice, even if he benefitted from a fortunate deflection for the first. His best showing of 2023.

Karim Benzema (7/10):

Assisted Vinicius' opener, scored Madrid's third. A typically impressive and ruthless showing.

Vinicius Jr. (8/10):

A joy to watch. Some lovely little runs and deft faints. Took both of his goals very well, and almost had a third.

Dani Ceballos (8/10):

Left out of the XI, and showed why he probably deserved to be in it with a wonderful 30-minute showing.

Rodrygo (6/10):

Lively, fun to watch, really should have scored.

Nacho (6/10):

An agreeable 20 minutes.

Marco Asensio (6/10):

Tried to curl one in, missed.

Jesus Vallejo (N/A):

A good run out for a player who probably won't play many more games in a Madrid shirt.

Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):

Ancelotti put out his strongest XI, and defensive errors aside, Madrid were excellent. Five goals is nothing to be sniffed at, while Valverde and Vini appeared to be inching towards their best. It's not much of a trophy, but silverware is silverware.