Real Madrid vs Club America live: Cristiano Ronaldo goal given after video referee referral to seal semi-final win
Follow the latest from the Fifa Club World Cup semi-final in Japan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid are through to the Fifa Club World Cup final after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Mexican side Club America, setting up a final clash against Japanese side Kasima Antlers in Tokyo on Sunday to decide the club champions of the world. Re-live the action here.
- Real Madrid beat Club America 2-0
- Real take first-half lead through Karim Benzema goal
- Cristiano Ronaldo doubles the advantage in final minutes
- Ronaldo's goal originally disallowed for offside before being reviewed on video
- Ronaldo had earlier struck the post twice
- Real to play Asian champions Kasima Tokyo in Sunday's final
- Club America to feature in 3rd-place play-off against Atletico Nacional
Follow the live action below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
A big game for…
Rubens Sambueza. The Club America club captain is hoping to return to the starting XI to offer his team more control and bite in the centre of the park as they attempt to pull off a surprise victory over Madrid. Should he feature, Sambueza will need to recreate the sort of form which has seen him rack up four goals and nine assists this season. As club captain, Thursday’s semi-final comes a big game for the Argentine.
Best stat…
35 - The number of matches that reigning European champions Real Madrid have gone since they last lost. Their longest unbeaten run in 27 years, it comprises 26 wins and nine draws in all competitions and stretches back to April.
Player to watch…
Karim Benzema. The Frenchman was rested for the side’s 3-2 La Liga win over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday and is expected to return to play in Thursday’s semi-final. After bagging a brace in his last appearance against Borussia Dortmund, America will need to keep an eye on the 28-year-old.
Last meeting…
The most recent meeting between the two sides came in a friendly match back in August 2010. Madrid emerged victorious on that occasion, with Cristiano Ronaldo striking late to end the game 3-2.
Predicted teams...
Club America: Munoz, Valdez, Samudio, Arroyo, Goltz, Aguilar, Sambueza, Da Silva, Peralta, Quintero, Romero.
Real Madrid: Navas, Danilo, Marcelo, Varane, Ramos, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Vasquez, Ronaldo, Benzema.
What’s been said….
Club America coach Ricardo La Volpe: “It’s players and not shirts that win games. We’ll go out to play Real Madrid without any kind of burden on our shoulders. We have to work twice as hard to make sure we’ve got two men up against every one of theirs all across the pitch. We’re going to play a great side and we’re going to see what we’re made of.”
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos: “We’d like to get the Champions Badge back. The Club World Cup gives us the chance to test ourselves against other styles of play that we’re perhaps not so used to. We have new goals to achieve, and new records to break. There are always new challenges.”
Form guide...
Club America: WWDWD
Real Madrid: WDDWW
Vital information...
Kick-off: 15 December, Yokohama, Japan, 10.30 (UTC)
TV: The game is not being broadcast in the UK. Follow our live blog for minute-by-minute updates.
HALF TIME: Club America 0-1 Real Madrid
It's been one way traffic for much of the first half with Madrid enjoying the lion's share of chances and possession. Club America, to their credit, have remained resilient and put in a noble fight as they sought to deny the likes of Ronaldo and Benzema in front of goal. The Mexicans have even enjoyed their own shots on goal and could have easily taken an early lead had Romero converted his chance. Alas, Madrid finally got their break through and it was Benzema who eventually found the back of the net to put Madrid on top at the half-time break.
46 min: A brief pause in play as Sambueza catches Modric from behind. The two tumble to the deck and both appear to be clutching their ankles as the ref trots over. No card for the Argentine though and they're quickly back on their feet. Play resumes.
49 min: Ronaldo is muscled off the ball inside the America final third by a firm Da Silva challenge. The Portuguese was brushed aside with ease as the America defender helped his side out of a potentially sticky situation.
52 min: Real Madrid free-kick. Kroos floats it from the right in search of Ronaldo but it's Benzema who gets his head to it. He struggles to get over it though and the ball ends up bouncing awkwardly over the bar. 50p head...
54 - substitution: José Daniel Guerrero replaces Ventura Alvarado.
56 min: America break free down the right wing as Valdez picks Marcelo's pocket before storming past Varane, poking it round him in the process. From the right-hand side byline, he cut the ball back across the box but couldn't quite find his team mates who were positioned around the penalty spot. At 1-0, this win is by no means assured and Valdez's menacing attack has just reminded Madrid of that.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments