FC Bayern are aiming to make history as they seek their sixth major title in the space of a year at the FIFA Club World Cup. Only Barcelona in 2009 have ever won so many in the space of 12 months. The European champions take on their African counterparts Al Ahly of Egypt in the semi-final on Monday (kick-off at 7pm CET, coverage via our live text commentary). “We can make history. The European champions go into the tournament as favourites. We want to live up to that role,” stated Joshua Kimmich.
“Al Ahly is a club steeped in tradition with over 30 million fans in Egypt alone and named ‘Club of the century’ by their continental federation. We’re really looking forward to this semi-final and will take on the opponent with the utmost respect. It’s a great honour to compete with Al Ahly for a place in the final of the Club World Cup,” said Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Check out the best photos from Bayern’s preparations for the Club World Cup semi-final against Al Ahly:
Situation for Bayern
The Munich side’s travels to Qatar were not without problems. After a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga on Friday evening, Bayern only arrived in Doha late on Saturday afternoon after a long delay due to a denied take-off clearance. Kimmich, who turns 26 on the day of the semi-final, doesn’t want that to be an excuse, though. “Of course, that was suboptimal. But everyone had the chance to put their feet up onboard. So, we’ll be fresh for the game tomorrow,” the midfield motor said at Sunday’s press conference. Coach Hansi Flick is also looking ahead: “The team has put the journey behind them very professionally and want to take on the next goal.” After a run of five straight Bundesliga wins, Bayern’s focus is solely on reaching the final of the Club World Cup.
Enjoy some acrobatic finishes from Bayern's final training session in Doha:
Opponents Al Ahly SC
“It’s a momentous game for us. It’s against the European Champions League winners. Al Ahly will represent the whole of Africa tomorrow and we want to put on a good game,” said captain and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy at Sunday’s press conference. Al Ahly come into the Bayern clash full of confidence. The Egyptians qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the African Champions League and have already beaten Al-Duhail, champions of the host nation, 1-0 in the quarter-finals. It was their 32nd competitive game in a row without defeat. “They’re a team who try to play and are very versatile in attack. They’re also very attacking with their full-backs,” Flick explained of the opponents. “We know they’re a strong team, they’re the FC Bayern of Egypt,” a respectful Kimmich added of Africa’s treble winners.
Like Bayern, Al Ahly also won the treble of league, cup and Champions League in 2020. Learn more about the opponents here:
Personnel updates
Four members of Bayern’s first-team squad have not made the trip to Doha. Leon Goretzka and Javi Martinez have been in self-isolation after a positive COVID-19 test. Tanguy Nianzou (thigh) and Alexander Nübel (ankle) are continuing their recovery training in Munich. Otherwise, Flick has a fully fit squad that took part in final training on Sunday.
Al Ahly are without attacking midfielder Walid Soliman, who hasn’t travelled due to a knee injury. Defenders Badr Benoun and Mohamed Hany, as well as forward Hussein El Shahat, were suffering with knocks before the quarter-final but did manage to play against Al-Duhail and will likely be fit to face Bayern.
What the coaches say
Hansi Flick: “We’ve won five titles but you still see the team and the coaching staff want to take the next step. Success is a process and everyone’s onboard with it. We wanted to play this tournament and, of course, it’s our goal to win this tournament. We know it comes with a heavy workload but we want to approach it motivated and crown an outstanding season with a sixth title.”
Pitso Mosimane (Al Ahly coach): “It’ll be a tough match but we can progress. We’ve fought through this far, have won the Champions League and the quarter-final. We want to continue our journey.”
Learn more about the semi-final against Al Ahly with our stats:
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