Action from the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal between Real Madrid (white jersey) and Cruz Azul on December 16, 2014, in Marrakech, Morocco. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
MARRAKECH, Morocco -- Real Madrid scored two goals in each half to register a 4-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals on Wednesday at Le Grand Stade de Marrakech.
Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema tallied in the opening half, while Gareth Bale and Isco struck after the break for the UEFA Champions League winner, which posted its 21st consecutive win in competitive games.
Cruz Azul had an opportunity to cut into the lead in half in the 40th minute, but Iker Casillas saved Gerardo Torrado’s penalty kick. The veteran midfielder had netted twice from the spot in the quarterfinal win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Ramos gave Real all the scoring it needed in the 15th minute, when he headed home a Toni Kroos free kick past goalkeeper Jesus Corona. Minutes later Ramos showed his brilliance on the other side of the pitch, denying Joao Rojas a goal with a sliding tackle.
Benzema doubled the lead in the 36th minute as he volleyed Carvajal's right-wing cross home for a two-goal advantage.
The Spanish powerhouse tacked on two more goals in the final 45 minutes with Ronaldo turning playmaker.
The Portuguese international found Bale for a 50th minute header to make it 3-0 and spearheaded a counterattack in the 72nd minute to set-up Isco.
Real Madrid will meet the winner of Wednesday’s other semifinal between San Lorenzo (Argentina) and Auckland City (New Zealand) in the final. Cruz Azul, the 2013/14 CONCACAF Champions League champion, will look to bounce back against the loser in the match for third place. Both matches will be played on Saturday.
