Club World Cup winner Real Madrid win fourth trophy within a year in style

With their 22nd victory, Real Madrid wins the Club World Cup 2014. They defeated San Lorenzo of Argentina 2-0 to cart away their fourth title of the season on saturday night. The global crown has now been added to their Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Copa Del Rey triumphs.

The captain of Real Madrid Ike Casilla lifting the trophy after beating San Lorenzo 2-0

Their maiden Club World Cup was claimed by the superb performance of Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale. Sergio Ramos got the opener after 37minutes and Gareth Bale made it two few minutes after the break. Most especially, Gareth Bale's performance has been a somewhat divine achievement as he has netted three times in three major competitive finals that have given Madrid trophies in the shelf. He scored in Copa Del Rey, Champions League finals, and in the Club World Cup.

Sergio Ramos towering into the air to head in the first goal

Sergio Ramos scoring the opener for his side Real Madrid

Sergio Ramos running along the touch line in celebration

Sergio Ramos in jubilant mood while Karim Benzema strolls behind

With these achievements, Carlos Ancelotti's men would end the year on a memorable note which is still running. they are also amongst the favorites to win this season's champions League and the Spanish La Liga. 

In the course of the final of the Club World Cup, Madrid almost went ahead just after one minutes into the game when Toni Kroos gave Cristiano Ronaldo a pass whose low cross went across the goal mouth with Karim Benzema unable to get to it.

Cristiano Ronaldo getting set to take one of those deadly free-kicks

The Copa Libertadores winners San Lorenzo applied a physical approach to the game with the aim of taking Madrid unawares. Ronaldo made several attempts through some free-kicks but was unsuccessful. But the World best effort was not needed for the first goal. Gareth Bale saw his left-footed effort on the run  from a alight angle pushed behind by Sebastian Torrico, but unknown to them, the Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, was unmarked, and he headed in the first goal which was swung in from the left by Toni Kroos.

 

Gareth Bale taking the shot that gave Madrid the second goal

The Club World Cup trophy

Real Madrid manager Carlos Ancelotti watches on from the sideline at the Marrakesh stadium

Furthermore, the second goal came in at about 6 minutes into the second half through Isco's incisive move, who played the ball into the feet of Bale in the area but although the shot was weak, the ball squirmed under the feet of the goalkeeper into the back of the net. three goals in three finals for the Walshman who has paid off his dues so far.

 

Gareth Bale being congratulated by team-mates Ronaldo (left), and Rodriguez being hugged by Pepe

Real Madrid lost Marcelo to injury shortly before the end of the first half.

Madrid would have scored more goals if they wanted to be ruthless considering the physical approach San Lorenzo brought into the game.Cristiano Ronaldo was mostly off day throughout the game.

 

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid fighting for the ball with San Lorenzo's Juan Mercier (right) and Pablo Barrientos (left)

San Lorenzo almost pulled one back late on as Juan Mercier's long-range drive gave Ike Casillas some challenge, but he was able to do justice to the shot. In all, Madrid had a filled day as the opponents could not threaten their post. The game ended in comfort for Madrid.

The third place play-off match was won by Auckland City from New Zealand. they defeated Cruz Azul of Mexico on penalties after a 1-1 draw.