Real Madrid 2-0 San Lorenzo
- Published
Real Madrid won their fourth trophy of 2014 by defeating Argentina's South American champions San Lorenzo in the Club World Cup final in Morocco.
The Champions League, Copa del Rey and European Super Cup holders took the lead through a Sergio Ramos header.
A goalkeeping error allowed Gareth Bale to add a second when the Welshman's shot squirmed under Sebastian Torrico.
Real were rarely troubled and extended their Spanish record with a 22nd consecutive win in all competitions.
The victory also provided the Bernabeu outfit with their first win in the competition in its current guise, although they won its predecessor - the Intercontinental Cup - three times.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti had signalled Real's intent at capturing another piece of silverware by sending out a strong line-up including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema.
However, while the Spanish side were initially frustrated by defence-minded Argentine opponents, Ramos made the breakthrough for Real.
A swift counter-attack led by Benzema ended in a Bale shot being parried wide by keeper Torrico and, from the resulting corner, Ramos nodded in a Toni Kroos delivery.
The emphasis was on San Lorenzo to take the initiative in search of a leveller but, instead, coach Edgardo Bauza's side fell further behind after a goalkeeping error.
Real Madrid midfielders Kroos and Isco expertly dictated play and when the latter found Bale his shot went under the body of Torrico.
San Lorenzo, like other South American sides, place a high degree of importance on the Club World Cup but they struggled to make any impact on the match as they were outplayed and outclassed in Marrakech.
Iker Casillas - making his 700th appearance for Real - had one of his quieter games, but he did have to get down low to save an Emmanuel Mas left-foot shot and parry a late Juan Mercier strike as his side comfortably closed out the win.
They did not even need talisman Ronaldo to shine as the Portuguese struggled to impose himself, with his closest effort coming with a header straight at Torrico.
Earlier, Auckland City from New Zealand won the third-place play-off after beating Mexican side Cruz Azul on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
- Published19 December 2014
- Published16 December 2014
- Published16 December 2014
- Published20 June 2016
- Published7 June 2019