ABU DHABI: Real Madrid lifted the world club title for a record seventh time after thrashing host side Al Ain 4-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi with superb goals in each half from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente.
Modric, the FIFA World Player of the Year, 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, claimed a late consolation through Japanese defender Tsukasa Shiotani.
Madrid substitute Vinicius burst through in stoppage and fired in a shot which defender Yahia Nader diverted into his own net.
Real have won the last FIFA club title four times in row.
Earlier South American champions River Plate thrashed Japanese side Kashima Antlers 4-0 in the third place playoff at the Club World Cup.
The Argentinian giants, who beat arch-rivals Boca Juniors to win the Copa Libertadores this month but suffered a humiliating defeat by Al Ain in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals, took the lead midway through the first half with a header from midfielder Bruno Zuculini.
Martinez increased River’s lead in the 73rd minute and completed the thrashing with a chipped finish in stoppage time after Colombian striker Rafael Santos Borre had scored their third from a penalty.
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