FIFA Club World Cup Final, Real Madrid 4-1 Al Ain: 4 Talking Points from the match
Real Madrid successfully defended their FIFA Club World Cup crown against Al Ain CF, winning by a comfortable three-goal margin at the Zayed Sport City Stadium.
Los Blancos won the title for the third time in as many years, becoming the first club in the history of the competition to do so.
Santiago Solari won his first trophy since replacing Julen Lopetegui at the Real Madrid hot seat, naming an unchanged eleven from the victory against Kashim Antlers earlier this week.
Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric opened the scoring for the holders with a neat finish from outside the box shortly after captain Sergio Ramos cleared a goal off the line for the hosts.
The hosts did show a great effort in trying to hold off Madrid's wave after wave of attack, and even caused some troubles of their own, having a shot on target and several other efforts that went awry.
The second half started well for the hosts, who looked to break with speed down the flanks, but failed to do so as Ramos and Varane were equal to almost every challenge put in front of them.
Solari's favourite Marcos Llorente scored an absolute screamer at the hour mark, as Al Ain failed to clear off a corner, the ball dropping outside the box at the onrushing Spaniard's feet, who made no mistake burying his thunderous strike in the bottom left corner.
Madrid brought on Ceballos for Kroos, who added some fresh legs and looked dangerous for his brief 20+ minute cameo.
The home side also brought on Yahia Nader, who was unfortunate enough to be the last person to score on the night, but unfortunately at his own end.
Ramos scored a trademark header at the 79th minute, jumping above everyone else off a perfect Luka Modric cross and thumping the ball in the far corner, giving Madrid a three-goal advantage.
It wasn't to last though, as Courtois failed to keep another clean sheet through no fault of his own, as terrible marking at a set piece allowed Shiotani rise above meek defending to head the ball in the back of the net.
Madrid restored their three-goal advantage at the 90th-minute mark, as substitute Vinicius Jr. carved open Al Ain's defence, and his shot deflected off Nader and found the back of the net. Here are the talking points from the conquest.
#1 Solari deserves more respect
There's been a lot of speculation about the Argentinian's longevity as the Blancos' head coach, especially since Jose Mourinho received the sack at Old Trafford after the defeat at Anfield to rivals Liverpool.
There have been several reports linking the Portuguese coach back to the managerial post at the Bernebau, but Solari has done more than just steady a sinking ship, winning 11 of his 13 games in charge.
He deserves to not have such speculation around about his job security, and with a few new signings next summer, he could really make Madrid a team that can successfully challenge on all fronts again.
With the horrible start to the season in the league that they had, Madrid are still just five points behind leaders Barcelona, a deficit that could be overtaken over the course of the season.