• Home
• /
• Football

Five-star Bayern win Club World Cup

European champions Bayern Munich claimed their fifth title of 2013 as they lifted the Club World Cup with a 2-0 win over Raja Casablanca in Saturday’s final.

The Bavarian giants had few problems against Moroccan champions Raja as Bayern grabbed both goals inside the opening 22 minutes from Brazil centre-back Dante, then midfielder Thiago.

Having become the first German team to win the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup titles last season, Bayern now add the Club World Cup to the UEFA Super Cup title they won in August.

This was the third time Bayern coach Pep Guardiola has won the Club World Cup after lifting the trophy with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011. “2013 is now finished and it’s behind us,” said Guardiola.

“Five titles is really a great achievement. I am proud of this club and for all the people involved.” He added: “Since my arrival I have tried to care for the heritage of the club.

“Now I will try and add other things that I hope will be positive for the club. We have to turn to the future.” Raja coach Faouzi Benzarti said he was proud of his team’s efforts. “I think my players were a little nervous in the first half, with the crowd and with the king being present,” he said.

“But to lose to Bayern by only 2-0 is very honourable.” Bayern winger Franck Ribery was voted player of the tournament. The France winger must wait until January 13 to find out if he has beaten Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d’Or.

Even without injured Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger and Netherlands winger Arjen Robben, Guardiola’s Bayern had too much firepower for Raja at the 45,000 sell-out Marrakech Stadium. Just as they had done in Wednesday’s 3-0 semi-final win over Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande, the Germans dominated throughout.