• Al Ain trained on Friday night as they prepare to be the first UAE side to ever compete in the Fifa Club World Cup final on Saturday against Real Madrid in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Al Ain trained on Friday night as they prepare to be the first UAE side to ever compete in the Fifa Club World Cup final on Saturday against Real Madrid in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Caio, goalkeeper Khalid Essa (back to camera) and Tsukasa Shiotani were in good spirits during training.
    Caio, goalkeeper Khalid Essa (back to camera) and Tsukasa Shiotani were in good spirits during training.
  • A team talk takes place during the session.
    A team talk takes place during the session.
  • Captain Ismail Ahmed, centre, focuses on the job at hand for Al Ain.
    Captain Ismail Ahmed, centre, focuses on the job at hand for Al Ain.
  • The Al Ain players were kept busy during the session at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
    The Al Ain players were kept busy during the session at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
  • Goalkeeper Essa has proven to be one of the stars of the tournament.
    Goalkeeper Essa has proven to be one of the stars of the tournament.
  • Amer Abdulrahman during training.
    Amer Abdulrahman during training.
  • Ahmed Barman took part in training after appearing to pick up a knock against River Plate.
    Ahmed Barman took part in training after appearing to pick up a knock against River Plate.
  • Essa and Mohammed Ahmed appeared to be in a relaxed mood.
    Essa and Mohammed Ahmed appeared to be in a relaxed mood.
  • Barman, Essa and Ahmed enjoy a run together during training.
    Barman, Essa and Ahmed enjoy a run together during training.
  • Goalkeeper Essa has made three saves in two penalty shootouts during the tournament.
    Goalkeeper Essa has made three saves in two penalty shootouts during the tournament.
  • Manager Zoran Mamic issues instructions to his players.
    Manager Zoran Mamic issues instructions to his players.
  • Essa and his teammates have had a lot to smile about.
    Essa and his teammates have had a lot to smile about.
  • Mamic cuts a solitary figure during training as he prepares for Saturday's final.
    Mamic cuts a solitary figure during training as he prepares for Saturday's final.
  • The Al Ain players enjoy a stretch during the training session.
    The Al Ain players enjoy a stretch during the training session.

Amer Abdulrahman vows Al Ain will 'double efforts' to beat Real Madrid in Fifa Club World Cup final

Emirati midfielder confident Zoran Mamic will come up with a game plan to take on the European champions in Abu Dhabi at Zayed Sports City

John McAuley
John McAuley

December 22, 2018

  • English
  • Arabic

Al Ain’s Amer Abdulrahman says the UAE champions have the players and the right manager to test Real Madrid in Saturday’s Fifa Club World Cup final.

The host representatives, appearing in the tournament for the first time, are surprise finalists this year having registered shock victories against Esperance de Tunis and River Plate, the African and South American champions respectively.

However, now they face Madrid in the showpiece at Zayed Sports City Stadium, and go up against a side seeking a third straight Club World Cup crown.

Yet Al Ain midfielder Abdulrahman is optimistic Zoran Mamic’s buoyant team can cause problems for their vaunted opponents, winners of the past three Uefa Champions League titles.

___________

Read more

Zoran Mamic: Al Ain must dare to dream to conquer Real Madrid in Fifa Club World Cup final

Al Ain 'are going to fight to win' Club World Cup after reaching final, says Khalid Essa

Mission Possible: The dream can become reality for Al Ain against Real Madrid in Fifa Club World Cup final

Meet the Al Ain players aiming to shock Real Madrid in the Fifa Club World Cup final

____________

“Real Madrid are used to playing big matches – they have been in the Champions League final three times in three years,” Abdulrahman said. “This is a very big match, but I’m sure we will deal with the match in the right manner. And we have a very big coach who I’m sure will handle this match in the right way.

“Real Madrid is a big team. We have to do lots of things to keep pace with them. Three factors: first of all you have to have full focus - 100 per cent, even double. Then we have to double our efforts. And you have to have luck. These are the main things just to keep up with Real Madrid.”

MadridFifa Club World Cup 2025Al AinChampions League