EURO ROUND-UP

REAL MADRID secured their third successive Club World Cup title as they defeated AL AIN 4-1 in yesterday’s final in Abu Dhabi.

Luka Modric opened the scoring in the 14th minute, the 2018 Ballon d’or winner curling a delightful shot past goalkeeper Khalid Eisa. Marcos Llorente then produced a fine finish of his own on the hour mark for his first-ever Real Madrid goal, firing in a low strike after the ball came to him following a Toni Kroos corner. Skipper Sergio Ramos (below) added a 79th-minute header from Modric’s cross, seven minutes before the United Arab Emirates champions registered a consolation through Tsukasa Shiotani. The three-goal advantage was then restored in stoppage time via an own-goal from Yahia Nader.

It was a record fourth triumph in this competition for Real, with them surpassing Laliga rivals Barcelona’s tally of three wins, as boss Santiago Solari celebrated his first trophy in management. BARCELONA remain three points clear at the top of La Liga after two first-half goals from Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi gave them a 2-0 win over CELTA VIGO. An Antoine Griezmann penalty after 56 minutes gave second-placed ATLETICO MADRID the points against visiting ESPANYOL.

A Franck Ribery double helped BAYERN MUNICH to a 3-0 victory at EINTRACHT FRANKFURT, with their other counter coming from Rafinha.

Bayern are still six points behind Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund.