Real Madrid wins big, enters FIFA Club World Cup final

The semi-final match against CONCACAF champions Cruz Azul yesterday, December 16, was a walk in the park for Real Madrid, as they won easily 4-0.

Cruz Azul (blue shirt) could barely cause trouble for Real for most of yesterday's semi-final match. Photo: AFP.

Real's victory was decided in the first half when Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema scored twice. Cruz Azul had a good chance to revive their hopes of a surprise, but veteran player Gerrardo Torrado missed a penalty in the 40th minute.

After the break, Gareth Bale and Isco, in the 50th and 72nd minutes, scored two more goals to highlight the resounding victory of the European Champions League defending champion against the opponent from Mexico, the CONCACAF Champions League champion.

With this 4-0 victory, Real will enter the final of the Club World Cup this Saturday, December 20, to meet the winner of today's second semi-final between Auckland City and San Lorenzo.

Coach Ancelotti delighted neutral fans in Marrakech, Morocco when he showed his seriousness towards the tournament as well as respect for his opponents by fielding his strongest lineup. After two missed chances by Ronaldo and Benzema, the superiority that Real created was finally materialized with the opening goal in the 15th minute. Toni Kroos crossed the ball from the right for Sergio Ramos to jump high and head past goalkeeper Jose Corona.

In the 36th minute, the gap was doubled when right-back Carvajal skillfully dribbled the ball, got close to the touchline and then passed it in front of the goal for Benzema to quickly run up and finish.

Four minutes after this set-up, Ramos fouled striker Pavone from behind in the 16m50 area, helping Cruz Azul earn a penalty. But from the 11m mark, Torrardo was caught by Casillas, who easily dived to save the shot.

Ronaldo missed a good chance in the second minute and played a bit quietly in the first half, but after the break, he still knew how to make the audience in Marrakech admire, when he left his personal mark on two goals.

Ronaldo was unlucky in scoring yesterday, but contributed a goal after the break. Photo: AFP.

First, Ronaldo broke free to receive Benzema's through ball and then moved to the right just in time for Gareth Bale to head the ball to increase the score to 3-0 in the 50th minute. In the 72nd minute, Ronaldo dribbled down the left wing, kept the ball, attracted the attention of the Azul defenders, turned his feet to make the opponent dizzy, then passed back to Isco, after two technical touches to eliminate two defenders in blue, finished to seal the result 4-0.

According to VNE