Cruz Azul vs. Real Madrid: Score, Grades and Reaction from FIFA Club World Cup

Real Madrid cruised into the FIFA Club World Cup Final on Tuesday, as they beat Cruz Azul 4-0 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco through a quartet of different goalscorers.   

Somewhat surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo did not find the back of the net, but Los Blancos were still able to claim their 21st consecutive win in all competitions.

Sergio Ramos' opener was complemented by goals from Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Isco, but it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Spanish side. Cruz Azul missed a penalty late in the first half that would have brought the game back to 2-1. 

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Inevitably, Real were on the attack from the off, as Ronaldo forced a good save from Cruz Azul goalkeeper Jesus Corona in the third minute after Benzema's knockdown.

The Frenchman then fired a shot just past the post on 10 minutes after poor Cruz Azul defending before Ramos claimed the opener five minutes later.

The Spanish international jumped highest to head home from a Toni Kroos free-kick from the right after Dani Carvajal was fouled just outside the Cruz Azul area. Corona ill-advisedly committed himself too early in an attempt to clear the ball from Kroos, per Tom Marshall of ESPN FC:

Benzema himself doubled the lead with 10 minutes remaining until the break. Carvajal marauded down the right and chipped the ball into the box, where the 26-year-old striker poked home from close range.

Real looked to be cruising in Marrakech, but the Mexican side had chances late on in the first half to pull a goal back or potentially draw level.

Goalscorer Ramos offered the first opportunity by hauling down Mariano Pavone on the turn in the area to concede a penalty, but Iker Casillas saved Gerardo Torrado's spot-kick down to his right.

Another opportunity then dropped to Pavone after Asier Illarramendi's awful back pass saw the Argentine in on goal. Veteran Casillas saved once again to see Real into the break with a two-goal cushion.

Bale effectively put the game out of sight five minutes after the break, when he headed home Ronaldo's cross from the left after Benzema started the attack, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

Ronaldo then almost claimed his own goal with an outrageous attempt at a half-volley rabona, but his shot went straight at the keeper, per Bleacher Report UK's Ryan Bailey:

Cruz Azul substitute Pablo Barrera went closest for the Mexicans in the 66th minute, as his fierce shot from outside the area beat Casillas but ricocheted off the right post.

Isco got in on the action to claim Real's fourth after 72 minutes. A ball from Ronaldo after his run down the left found the youngster on the edge of the area. Nifty footwork from Isco saw the Spaniard glide past two defenders before he fired home.

It was a convincing win for Real, as they extended their winning streak in all competitions and marched on to the final of the Club World Cup, where they will face either San Lorenzo or Auckland City.

Cruz Azul, meanwhile, won't play again until the new year. 

Selected Player Grades

Sergio Ramos: B+

Ramos rose well to head home for Real's opener in the early stages of the game, handing Carlo Ancelotti's side the initiative it needed to go on and win easily.

However, he almost allowed Cruz Azul back into the game when he conceded the penalty. The experienced defender is no doubt indebted to Casillas for the goalkeeper's decent save.

It was overall a strong performance defensively from Ramos, though. Per football writer Jerrad Peters, the Spain international was solid at the back before being replaced in the 64th minute by Raphael Varane.

Cristiano Ronaldo: A-

Considering the Portuguese's ridiculous scoring rate of late, a goalless night for Ronaldo would seemingly indicate a poor return for one of the world's best players.

However, he was instrumental for Real, as he set up the third and fourth goals and caused havoc amid the Cruz Azul defence, his assist return ever increasing, per AS:

Ronaldo will no doubt have a huge impact again come the final, and despite a goalless night on Tuesday, only a fool would bet against him finding the net once more on that occasion.

Mariano Pavone: B

Christian Palma/Associated Press

Pavone turned Ramos with ease to draw the penalty, which could have changed the game had Torrado been able to convert it.

However, he should have done better in capitalising on Illarramendi's mistake on a night when chances for Cruz Aul were few and far between.

It was never going to be easy for the Mexicans against Real, and Pavone did provide spark in attack. He was substituted off with 25 minutes remaining having performed fairly well.

Post-Match Reaction

Ancelotti praised the contributions of both Ronaldo and Casillas after their convincing semi-final win which saw Real Madrid through to the Club World Cup Final, via RMadridHome:

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Carlo Ancelotti: "Cristiano Ronaldo played well and gave assists to his teammates." #HalaMadrid

— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) December 16, 2014"

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Carlo Ancelotti: "Iker Casillas made a great save on the penalty in an important part in the match." #HalaMadrid

— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) December 16, 2014"

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Carlo Ancelotti: "Cristiano Ronaldo is saving his goal for the final." #HalaMadrid

— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) December 16, 2014"