Mbark Boussoufa: Al Jazira have "re-written" history by setting up Real Madrid clash

Matt Jones - Editor 10:55 11/12/2017
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  • Boussoufa is ready to face the La Liga and Champions League holders.

    Mbark Boussoufa says Al Jazira are “re-writing” history after setting up a fairytale FIFA Club World Cup semi-final with Real Madrid, which he has labeled the biggest game in UAE football history.

    Arabian Gulf League champions Jazira beat Asia champions Urawa Red Diamonds 1-0 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday thanks to Ali Mabkhout’s solitary goal at Zayed Sports City Stadium.

    It means the Pride of Abu Dhabi become the first UAE side to reach the last four of the tournament, surpassing the achievements of Al Ahli in 2009 and Al Wahda a year later.

    “I think it’s well deserved, the first time a team from the UAE have made a semi-final, so we are writing history for ourselves,” said Morocco international Boussoufa when asked if Wednesday’s mouthwatering clash with Los Blancos is the most important game in the nation’s history.

    “I don’t think any other team from the UAE has made it to the semi-final, this is a first time, so by just doing that we’ve rewritten history. It’s a great feeling and we just have to get ready for the game.”

    Zinedine Zidane’s La Liga juggernauts will be heavy favourites to win the game, to be played at the same venue in the capital. And Boussoufa believes that takes any pressure off Henk ten Cate’s side.

    “What we did already is a fantastic job so it’s just nice to play Real Madrid and against all these big players,” admitted Boussoufa, 33, who helped the Atlas Lions qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia last month following an impressive 2-0 win in the Ivory Coast.

    “I don’t think that comes with extra pressure because you’re automatically in the underdog role.”

    Jazira were not given much hope of beating Asia’s finest, which Boussoufa admitted also plays into the hosts’ hands.

    “I don’t think many believed we could win today’s game either so everything is possible in football,” added the 55-times capped attacking midfielder.

    “But of course we have major respect for Real Madrid. They are one of the best teams in the world and we respect them.

    “But as players we have no reason to fear anything. Just enjoy the game, enjoy being on such a big stage for a small country and a small club in the UAE. To be on a worldwide stage is just fantastic.”
    Boussoufa has pedigree, having emerged from the ranks at Dutch giants Ajax before spending three years in Chelsea’s academy.

    He has played Madrid once before, while at Anderlecht, but admits the experience of testing themselves against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale is a “dream” for Jazira’s players, especially youngsters like Mohammed Al Attas, who is just 20.

    “I played against them one time before I think, in the Santiago Bernabeu Cup when I was at Anderlecht, just 21 or 22,” recalled Boussoufa.

    “I know what it is like to play against the best team or one of the best teams in the world, it is an honour, especially for the boys.

    “I have a bit more experience of the Champions League or Europa League where of course you meet big teams. But of course, for them, for the local boys, it’s a dream to play against Real.”

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