Club World Cup Final Set: Real Madrid to Face San Lorenzo in Marrakech
The stage is set for the FIFA Club World Cup final in Morocco, as Real Madrid will face San Lorenzo of Argentina in Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown in Marrakech.
San Lorenzo, winners of the Copa Libertadores, booked their place in the final after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over New Zealand’s Auckland City in the second semi-final on Wednesday night.
In a match filled with tension and resilience, it was the South American champions who struck first. Pablo Barrientos gave San Lorenzo the lead in first-half stoppage time, capping a physical and balanced opening 45 minutes. However, Auckland City, the surprise package of the tournament, refused to go down quietly. They levelled the score in the 67th minute through Angel Berlanga, forcing the match into extra time.
Just three minutes after the restart, Mauro Matos restored San Lorenzo’s lead with a sharp finish in the 93rd minute. The Argentinians held on to secure their place in the final, ending Auckland’s fairy-tale run in the competition.
Awaiting them in the final is Real Madrid, who coasted past Mexico’s Cruz Azul with a 4-0 win in the first semi-final. Goals from Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Isco underlined Madrid’s dominance and their clear status as favourites for the title.
Saturday’s final promises to be a classic showdown between Europe’s elite and South America’s finest, echoing the traditional intercontinental rivalries of the past. For Real Madrid, a victory would cap a stellar 2014 under Carlo Ancelotti, while San Lorenzo will be hoping to upset the odds and deliver a historic triumph for Argentine football.
In the third-place match, Cruz Azul will face Auckland City, who have already won admiration around the world for their spirited and organised performances. Kick-off times for both matches are set for Saturday in Marrakech.
