Zidane Won't Mind 'Lucky' Tag, but Real Madrid Need More Impressive Title Wins

Real Madrid lifted the Club World Cup on Sunday after beating Kashima Antlers in the final, triumphing 4-2 after extra time—but the Spanish side far from had it all their own way against opponents they were expected to see off in more comfortable fashion.

Zinedine Zidane's side trailed in the second half and needed a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty to level matters before the end of 90 minutes, with the Portuguese forward going on to complete his hat-trick in the added 30 minutes.

There were plenty of instances during the game where Madrid could be considered extremely fortunate, but that accusation won't bother Zidane in the slightest—as long as the titles continue to roll in, that is. But the manager must know his side needs to triumph in more notable competitions, and in more notable ways, to be considered among the finest teams in recent memory.

Attitude

It seems odd, perhaps, to crown a team the best in the world and then declare that they must continue to win domestically and in Europe for greater recognition, but that's the nature of the Club World Cup: still regarded as more important in Asia and South America than by European clubs in general, even though of course, Los Blancos will be rightly delighted with the success.

The bottom line is, Real Madrid will gain more respect, admiration and acceptance of being a great side by winning La Liga above Barcelona, and by winning the UEFA Champions League ahead of the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus, than they will by lifting the Club World Cup after victories over Liga MX and J-League sides.

Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

It's not Real's fault, of course, that the competition is seen as a lesser one, but that's the nature how the Club World Cup has developed in their area of the football world.

All they could do was win it, and they did, but their manner of doing so belied the perspective taken. It was a slow, unfocused and disappointing performance after taking the lead...right up until they went behind, and the threat of defeat became extremely real. The defence was disorganised, lacking in real aggression, the passes were sloppy and much of the offensive play—Lucas Vazquez aside—was all too individualistic.

The real Real, the quality and determined one, was witnessed in the final quarter of an hour and then into extra time, but it was almost too late.

Lucky

Zidane admitted in one of his press conferences just a few weeks ago, per Alfredo Relano of AS, that he felt lucky—and that won't be changing much after the final.

Sergio Ramos should 100 per cent have been shown a second yellow card, but the referee seemed to change his mind halfway through drawing his cards out of his pocket. Two of Real's goals came fortuitously: Toni Kroos' mishit shot heading straight to Ronaldo and Karim Benzema's opener after a rebound fell kindly his way.

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Antlers went close a few times besides their goals, hitting the crossbar once and spurning another glorious chance just before the final whistle blew, which would have given no chance to respond.

It should be noted that there's nothing inherently wrong with winning lucky, but it cannot be something to be relied upon.

Real Madrid could quite easily have lost this game, a silly fashion to end their long unbeaten streak and miss the chance to lift more silverware.

Zidane's choices

Having seen the squad members impress over the last few weeks and months in the absence of regular starters, it's a disappointment to see Zidane revert to his main XI at the expense of those who deserve involvement.

Isco, Mateo Kovacic and Nacho all came off the bench in the final, but only Isco was entrusted to make significant contribution rather than just coming on for the closing stages.

And even his appearance was disappointing, in terms of who made way: Lucas Vazquez, an excellent performer on the day and one of Real's best outlets. However, his name isn't as big, his history isn't as littered with title wins and big moments, and so he was withdrawn rather than perhaps a Kroos or a Benzema.

TORU YAMANAKA/Getty Images

Ronaldo's movement was good, but his decision-making was abject for most of the match: overrunning on dribbles, going alone instead of exchanging with team-mates and missing two or three very presentable chances. His performance was boosted by that hat-trick, of course, which in the end leaves criticisms of him not affecting a big game dead in the water, but it took a penalty to settle him having positive involvement.

Zidane made history by making Ronaldo his fourth substitution of the game, taking advantage of the new rules which allow an additional change in extra time, but on performance in the first hour, for any other player, he could have been first off the pitch.

Other notes

• James Rodriguez didn't get off the bench in a major final once again, and his post-game comments—as reported by J. I. Garcia-Ochoa of Marca—indicate that can't continue forever: "I can't assure you that I will continue [to stay here]. I have offers and there are seven days to think about things. I am happy in Madrid but I want to play. There is a little disappointment at not playing in the final but I'm happy to have won the title, it is the 15th of my career."
• Marca's Jose Felix Diaz then reported "top executives" at the club were angry with James for causing speculation, though the publication didn't mention anyone concrete.
• Keylor Navas deserves some recognition for two key saves, particularly tipping over a fierce high drive late in the game.
• Real Madrid have won each final under Zidane: Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and now Club World Cup, with the game going to extra time (and penalties in the Champions League) in each case.

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