Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that the penalty save from Iker Casillas was the key moment in his side's 4-0 victory over Cruz Azul at the Club World Cup.

Gerardo Torrado was kept out by Casillas with the score at 2-0 before Madrid stormed to success in the semi-final, and Ancelotti was quick to pay tribute to the veteran shot-stopper.

"Casillas's penalty save was key," the Italian told AS. "The game seemed to be over at 2-0 and they could have opened the tie up. He dived very well.

"It's never easy but the team played well and won. Now we'll see who we'll get in the final."

Madrid will meet the winners of Wednesday's semi-final between Auckland City and San Lorenzo in the final on Saturday.