FIFA Club World Cup Final 2014: Full Predictions for Real Madrid vs. San Lorenzo
Real Madrid and San Lorenzo will meet in Saturday's final of the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup, in yet another final played between the representatives of the European and South American leagues.
All editions of the tournament have so far been won by either the Champions League holders or Copa Libertadores winners, and those teams have contested the final on all but two occasions.
Los Blancos are the favourites going into the final, while San Lorenzo proved their resilience in a difficult semi-final match against Auckland City and will be hoping for a similar performance.
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Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 7.30 p.m. GMT/2:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Stade de Marrakech, Morocco
TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on Fox Sports 2 (for US viewers), with mobile coverage available via Fox Sports Go.
Sergio Ramos Will (But Shouldn't) Play
Real Madrid's only real injury concern is centre-back Sergio Ramos, who was forced to leave the pitch against Cruz Azul after taking a knock to his thigh. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has remained adamant the Spain international will be fit to face San Lorenzo, but he is yet to train with the squad.
Ancelotti sat the 28-year-old down next to him during his pre-match press conference, and via Goal's Peter Staunton, Ramos confirmed he expects to play on Saturday:
Exactly why Ancelotti and Ramos are so bent on racing the experienced defender back to the starting XI is unclear, as Raphael Varane and Pepe are more than capable of holding down the central defensive slots on their own.
Despite the massive risk of re-injuring his thigh in what is ultimately a glorified exhibition, expect Ramos to play on Saturday.
Bickering Over Official Will Haunt San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo proved they won't take to the pitch in awe of the opposition by starting a media-war regarding which official would be appointed for Saturday's final. FIFA wanted to elect Portugal's Pedro Proenca, a reward for the man who will retire at the end of this season.
As shared by AS English, the Argentinian side was having none of it:
San Lorenzo didn't want a European official in charge of the match and got their wish, as instead Guatemala's Walter Lopez will be at the whistle.
An advantage? Not so much. The official will have a bullseye on his back throughout Saturday's final, and every decision he makes in favour of the South Americans will be scrutinised.
The fact San Lorenzo have a reputation for being a physical side doesn't help, and manager Edgardo Bauza wants his troops to play the way they always do:
Last but not least, the fans and Real grew increasingly frustrated with San Lorenzo's persistent nagging over the past few days. Los Blancos are winners of 21 straight matches and arguably the most in-form team this tournament has ever seen. Fuelling that fire a bit more ahead of the final may not have been a great decision.
Europe's Title-Lead Will Increase
During the Club World Cup's 10-year run, Europe has taken the trophy six times, with the remaining four winners coming from Brazil. On Saturday, San Lorenzo won't be adding their name to that list.
The Argentinian side disappointed against an Auckland team consisting of math teachers and lawyers, and their domestic form has been sloppy at best as well.
Their opponents have smashed every team they've faced in the past two months, breaking all kinds of scoring records in both La Liga and the Champions League.
The Club World Cup is not a pivotal tournament, but as shared by Marca, Ancelotti wants his players to take the final seriously:
Brasil Global Tour's Rupert Fryers doesn't think Saturday's final will be particularly exciting:
I have to agree. Real have too much offensive firepower and talent in midfield, and they'll look to dominate possession from the opening whistle. San Lorenzo are a solid outfit, but they just don't have the world-class talent Los Blancos possess.
Real may not thrash their opponents, but they should win comfortably.
Final prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 San Lorenzo
