The Argentine club’s vice-president has hailed Los Blancos as the best team on the planet, but he firmly believes in football’s propensity for producing a shock
Marcelo Tinelli says that while San Lorenzo simply cannot compete with Real Madrid and their “billionaire team” on the field, the Argentines are capable of springing a surprise on it, in Saturday’s Club World Cup final.
Madrid are the reigning European champions, boast a squad full of ‘Galacticos, including current Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo, and are in the midst of a 21-game winning streak in all competitions.
However, San Lorenzo vice-president Tinelli is a firm believer in the romance of ‘The Beautiful Game’ and thus feels that his side can upset the odds in Morocco.
“This is the story of a billionaire team against a lowly one,” he acknowledged. “Madrid are the best in the world.
“But remember that the story was the same at the World Cup when Argentina faced Iran.
“If [Argentina captain and match-winner] Messi hadn’t been there, we wouldn’t have won.
“That’s the beauty of football. And I think we are going to play a good match against Real Madrid.”
“A wish is to win the World Club Cup against Real Madrid. I do not ask more.”
San Lorenzo midfielder Julio Buffarini also added that he and his colleagues fully intend to savour the occasion.
“It has been my dream to win the World Club Cup against Real Madrid,” he admitted. “I could not ask for more.”