Real Madrid beat struggling Almeria 4-1

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring their fourth goal during the La Liga match between UD Almeria and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Los Juegos Mediterraneos

Madrid, Dec 13 (IANS) Real Madrid will travel to Morocco for the World Club Championship after establishing a new record of 20 straight wins in all competitions, which also serves to assure they remain leaders of the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga.

Carlo Ancelotti's side claimed all three points from their last domestic match with a 4-1 win Saturday away to struggling Almeria, which was tighter than could have been expected, reports Xinhua.

Almeria had sacked Francisco Rodriguez as coach Tuesday and although Juan Ignacio Martinez was confirmed as his replacement Thursday night, the new coach watched from the stands with reserve coach Manuel Rivera in charge.

Real Madrid took the lead after 34 minutes through Isco, whose current run of form continued, but the home side were level just five minutes later when Verza was on hand to beat Iker Casillas and give the home fans hope.

That hope lasted for just three minutes as Gareth Bale re-established Madrid's lead after 42 minutes with a powerful header, although the Welsh international could have been marginally offside when he received Dani Carvajal's cross from the right.

Almeria were clearly looking to impress their new coach and in the second half they had a great chance to draw level after Edgar went down in the Madrid area and the referee pointed to the spot.

There didn't look to be much contact in the challenge from Marcelo and perhaps justice was done when Verza sent a tame spot-kick at the perfect height for Iker Casillas to save.

Sides usually pay a heavy price for letting Real Madrid off the hook and that was the case for Almeria as Ronaldo made it 3-1 in the 81st minute after Karim Benzema left him with a simple chance to score.

Ronaldo rounded off the scoring in the 98th minute after Carvajal left him with another simple chance to score. It was his 23rd league goal of the campaign.