South America

Real Madrid add another trophy to their list of honours after a comfortable win over Al Ain. A game they were expected to win on paper but given recent form it did see the side digging deep to secure the title.

As Argentina still wonders how River Plate (one of the biggest footballing institutions in the country along with Boca Juniors) lost in the semi-final to Al Ain,

Yesterday Solari summed up the competition Madrid will be vying for later on today perfectly, when they face Kashima - the same team that pushed them all the way two years ago.

Watching River Plate out there parading the trophy, I thought of Alfredo Di Stéfano, who I saw taste success so many times on the same pitch...

It’s true that we have had two continental finals here between teams from Madrid, but it comes nowhere close, believe me

Maybe it coincides with reading Sergio del Molino's latest book, ‘Lugares fuera de sitio’ (Out of place locations) that inspired me with today's headline.

Alfredo Relaño previews a weekend crowned by Sunday's Copa Liberadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors which will be played here in Madrid.

Real Madrid face Valencia today in a big-name clash, one that finds us still digesting the news that the Bernabéu is to hold the Copa Libertadores final...