ABU DHABI (REUTERS) - Real Madrid lifted the Fifa Club World Cup for a record fourth time on Saturday (Dec 22) after thrashing local side Al Ain 4-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi with the help of impressive distance strikes in either half from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente.
Recently crowned Ballon d'Or winner Modric took one touch before thumping the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box to break the deadlock in the 14th minute after Al Ain had missed two early chances to take a shock lead.
Madrid's home-grown midfielder Marcos Llorente doubled the European champions' lead on the hour-mark with a superbly struck volley from outside the area.
Real captain Sergio Ramos grabbed his side's third goal with a powerful header from a corner before Al Ain, who shocked South American champions River Plate in the semi-finals, got a late consolation goal through Japanese defender Tsukasa Shiotani.
Madrid substitute Vinicius Jr. burst through in stoppage time and fired in a shot which defender Yahia Nader diverted into his own net.
Real have won the last three editions of the tournament, also lifting the trophy in 2014, and moved ahead of Barcelona as the team to have won it the most times.
"We're very happy, these players deserve this," said Real coach Santiago Solari after winning his first piece of silverware since replacing Julen Lopetegui in the dugout in October.
"This is the icing on the cake of winning the Champions League three years in a row. It's a great feat for the club, this group and the other coaches, and we can't forget we're here thanks to the work of Zinedine Zidane. It's going to be difficult for any team to do what this side has done."
Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic said Real were far too good for his side despite creating those early chances which forward Hussein El Shahat squandered, missing the target with one effort and seeing Ramos clear his shot off the line moments later.
"We have to congratulate Real Madrid because they won this game deservedly, by playing good football, and we couldn't compete with them," said the Croatian.
"It's the fourth game we've played in only a few days and it has taken its toll on us, but we have had a great tournament. No-one expected us to get to this point."
Eusebio Di Francesco was sacked as Roma coach after the team crashed out of the Champions League, the Italian club confirmed on Thursday, with former boss Claudio Ranieri tipped to replace him. Roma had taken a 2-1 advantage to Porto for the second leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday but fell 4-3
Real Madrid's Gareth Bale came off the bench and coolly converted a penalty to secure a 2-1 win at Levante in LaLiga on Sunday as the European champions rode their luck to stay within nine points of leaders Barcelona.
Bale penalty gives below-par Real win at Levante - SuperSport
adtest.supersport.com/football/spain/news/190224/Bale_penalty_gives_belowpar_Real_win_at_Levante
Real Madrid's Gareth Bale came off the bench and coolly converted a controversial penalty to secure a 2-1 win at Levante in La Liga on Sunday.
Bale penalty kick gives below-par Real Madrid win at Levante
'Caption this': Pogba deletes cryptic post after Mourinho axed Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba quickly deleted a controversial social media post of him smiling after manager Jose Mourinho was sacked by the club on Tuesday.
'Caption this': Pogba deletes cryptic post after Mourinho axed
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed the "outstanding" Mohamed Salah after his match-winning performance against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Egyptian scored the two opening goals
Jurgen Klopp hails 'perfect' Liverpool after beating Man
Then I got a brace and was feeling more comfortable as games went on." "We just have to stay focused and do our job on every play." Coach (Mike McCulloch) tells us to mainly work on
Olaroiu tells Al Ahli: Forget past matches and focus on the
The reports alleged that Manchester City had broken Financial Fair Play regulations by inflating the value of a multimillion-pound sponsorship deal. and who could also soon face a transfer ban
Manchester City could be transfer banned for a year, and that
Town and school leaders have planned a full day of events Tuesday to welcome home local American Idol finalist Madison VanDenburg, including a pep rally at Shaker High School, a parade, and a
City hangs on to beat Burnley, stays on track for EPL title
Chelsea forward Willian replaces injured Neymar in Brazil
Apr 28, 2019 · Welcome back to the Premier League, Sheffield United. The Blades had their promotion to the top-flight guaranteed on Sunday as Leeds United drew with Aston Villa. Norwich City were promoted on
Norwich and Sheffield promoted to EPL - Latest News
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian captain Thiago Silva has been granted French citizenship, he announced on Twitter on Friday. PSG captain Thiago Silva receives French citizenship | SuperSport
PSG captain Thiago Silva receives French citizenship
Soccer Extras: Late Ronaldo goal foils Torino May 04, 2019 10:08 IST Cristiano Ronaldo headed a late equaliser to deny Torino their first win away to neighbours Juventus for 24 years as the two
Late Ronaldo goal foils Torino - uk.sports.yahoo.com
Find West Ham Latest News, Videos & Pictures on West Ham and see latest updates, news, information from NDTV.COM. Explore more on West Ham.
Lacklustre Liverpool slip up again at West Ham - Pulse Nigeria
0 comments:
Post a Comment