Real Madrid crowned world club champions

Real Madrid 2-0 San Lorenzo

Real Madrid landed their fourth title of the year by recording their 22nd straight victory to win the Club World Cup.

The European champions defeated Argentinian side San Lorenzo 2-0 in Marrakesh on Saturday night to add the global crown to their Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Copa Del Rey triumphs.

Sergio Ramos headed the opener after 37 minutes and Gareth Bale made it two six minutes after the break as Madrid claimed their maiden Club World Cup title.

The goal completed a hat-trick of major championship final goals for Bale, who also netted in the European and domestic cup successes.

Victory also ensured Carlo Ancelotti’s men would end a memorable year still on an incredible winning run stretching back to mid-September.

Madrid almost went ahead after only one minute when Toni Kroos fed Cristiano Ronaldo, whose driven low cross flew across the face of goal, with Karim Benzema just unable to get a touch.

San Lorenzo, the Copa Libertadores winners, adopted a physical approach as they looked to knock their illustrious opponents off their stride.

Ronaldo was unsuccessful with a couple of free-kick attempts as he looked to find his range, but Madrid did not need their star man for the opener.

Bale saw his left-footed effort on the run from a tight angle pushed behind by Sebastian Torrico, but an unmarked Ramos headed the resulting corner, swung in from the left by Kroos, into the net.

Madrid lost Marcelo to injury shortly before the break, but it did not put them off their stride as they doubled their lead four minutes into the second half.

An incisive passing move ended with Isco playing the ball into the feet of Bale in the area and, although the Welshman’s shot was weak and straight at Torrico, it somehow squirmed under the goalkeeper and into the net.

There were more goals on offer for Madrid had they wanted to be ruthless, even with Ronaldo enduring a rare off day.

San Lorenzo might have pulled one back late on as Juan Mercier’s long-range drive brought a fine diving save out of Iker Casillas, but the Spaniards never looked in trouble as they closed out the game in comfort.

Earlier Auckland City from New Zealand won the third-place play-off, beating Mexicans Cruz Azul on penalties after a 1-1 draw.