Madrid triumph never in doubt

Real Madrid CF's impressive technical and tactical prowess helped the UEFA Champions League holders add the European/South American Cup to their list of honours against a disappointing Club Olimpia, the Copa Libertadores champions.

MATCH ANALYSIS:
Madrid deserved their early goal. They looked the more composed side in the opening stages, with Roberto Carlos's searing pace down the left causing problems for the Paraguayans' defence, and Raúl González and Ronaldo looking sharp up front. Raúl is a clever, subtle forward, and his astute awareness in playing a dummy allowed Ronaldo to break the deadlock. The fashioning of the goal showed why Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque wanted the two to work in tandem – Raúl's stealth and Ronaldo's predatory instincts were in perfect harmony.

Fascinating contest
At the other end, Olimpia threatened in bursts, with Hernán López and Peque Benítez the likeliest candidates to bring the South Americans back into the match. López almost equalised when his effort hit the post, but with Madrid's brilliant French playmaker Zinedine Zidane and his Portuguese colleague Luis Figo producing their trademark skills, the Spaniards enjoyed the majority of the quality possession, displaying some excellent one-touch football along the way.

Pacy attacking
One question mark that has been raised about Madrid is the supposed fragility of their defence, and the half ended with the Spanish side perhaps regretting that they had been unable to fully capitalise at the other end. The livewire Peque Benítez was an occasional headache for the Madrid rearguard, and poor finishing let him down when he was well-placed to bring Olimpia level. Nevertheless, Madrid's pacy attacking and mastery of the ball had given them the first-half edge.

Same pattern
The pattern changed little after the restart. Madrid dominated possession, looking for the second goal that would kill the contest. Their one-touch play, with Figo a prominent and probing menace, severely troubled Olimpia at regular intervals. Indeed, it seemed for long periods that the only way back for the Paraguayans would be from the onset of Madrid complacency or a Spanish mistake.

Roberto Carlos – best and worst
Roberto Carlos, as ever, was involved at both ends. His overelaboration in defence, which left goalkeeper Iker Casillas to beat out a López drive, was followed immediately by the pace and power of a left winger from the Brazilian at the other end, culminating in a stinging shot saved by the stocky but agile Ricardo Tavarelli in the Olimpia goal. The best and worst of the mercurial Roberto Carlos in a few seconds.

Baez brought on
As time passed, Olimpia attempted to increase their attacking options by bringing on front-runner Richart Baez, a goalscoring force in the Copa Libertadores, for midfield man Gaston Córdoba, and strike partner Mauro Caballero for Peque Benítez. Their efforts to pull level were stifled in particular by the tireless defensive work of Claude Makelele and the fast-emerging Esteban Cambiasso in front of the Madrid rearguard. Despite the odd dangerous foray, the Paraguayan champions never really gained a foothold on the match.

Guti seals victory
Ronaldo was withdrawn near the end and straight away, Del Bosque's substitution paid dividends. Guti, operating just behind Raúl, who became the lone striker, glanced home the header that put the seal on Madrid's perfect evening.

KEY PLAYER: Esteban Cambiasso (Real Madrid CF)
Del Bosque will be delighted with Cambiasso's progress this season. Hard-working and effective in his holding midfield role, the Argentinian's industry and ability to win the ball and use it well gives Madrid's attacking stars an ideal platform to create danger upfield.