Real Madrid wins Club World Cup, getting fourth title of 2014

MARRAKECH - Agence France-Presse

Real Madrid’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the FIFA Club World Cup final match against San Lorenzo. AFP Photo

Real Madrid defeated San Lorenzo of Argentina 2-0 on Dec. 20 to win the Club World Cup and secure their fourth trophy of 2014. The Spanish giants dominated the final with Sergio Ramos, who had been an injury doubt because of a hamstring strain, and Gareth Bale getting on the scoresheet.

Real added the year-ending trophy to the Champions League, Copa del Rey and European Super Cup titles they had already secured in 2014. They will also end the year on top of La Liga.

Saturday's triumph was also their 22nd consecutive win in all competitions, and they now have in their sights the mark of 26 straight wins achieved by Johan Cruyff's Ajax side in 1971-72.

"We deserved to win the title - we can say that Real Madrid are the best team in the world," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"We have done really well this year, it's been unforgettable. We are a team and a family."

Real is also guaranteed to finish the year as La Liga leaders and Ancelotti was already setting his sights on similar achievements in 2015.

"We'd be happy with a repeat. We'll continue forward like this in all competitions and will face the new year with excitement and enthusiasm."

Meanwhile, Bale tweeted: "Couldn't think of a better Christmas present, FIFA World Club Champions 2014!! #HalaMadrid."

Ramos opened the scoring after 37 minutes when he rose above the San Lorenzo defence to send a thumping header past goalkeeper Sebastian Torrico from a Toni Kroos corner.

Bale made it 2-0 six minutes into the second half when he collected a pass from Isco and fired the ball straight at Torrico.

But the Argentine 'keeper made a terrible hash of the Welshman's tame shot and fumbled the ball over the line.

Real 'keeper Iker Casillas was relatively untroubled, called into serious action for the first time well after the hour mark to keep out an Emmanuel Mas drive.