Real Madrid clinched their record-extending fifth Club World Cup title in this eight-goal encounter against surprise finalists Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia.
Before 44,000 fans in Rabat Los Blancos produced a partial masterclass culminating in doubles from Valverde and Golden Ball winner Vini Junior plus another from returnee Karim Benzema.
So the favourites fulfilled expectations although Al Hilal certainly had their moments especially when exposing holes in the Spanish defence.
In what is likely to be the last FIFA Club World Cup in the current format Real Madrid continued their dominance by beating Saudi team Al Hilal in Rabat.
Before an audience that was undoubtedly diminished because of the transfer of the third-place playoff, involving Al Ahly and the well-supported Flamengo, to Tangier RM set about securing yet another trophy in typical fashion.
Within less than twenty minutes the Meringues were two-up and cruising.
That was after Vini Junior was set up for an easy finish and following Valverde's partially deflected strike after a defensive mixup among the Saudis.
Perhaps it seemed too easy for Real who were then badly exposed down their left as Marega broke to shoot through Lunin for 2-1.
But, as usual, the pass-masters Kroos and Modric continued their midfield work in combination with the precocious Tchouameni.
Their options were usually either Vini Junior (who would go on to get the Golden Ball award) on the left or Valverde, supported by Carvajal, on the right.
As always Kroos made it look easy.
RM went in two one ahead with Al Hilal seemingly still in with a chance.
But soon after the interval Vini delivered a cross for captain Benzema and the returning striker did the rest.
A superb fourth followed as Carvajal and Valverde combined for the latter to drive in his second.
That was 4-1 in less than an hour.
Not for the first the Madrid giants had exposed an opposition's weaknesses.
But Al Hilal still showed fight and they would reply through Vietto's chip, again after capitalising on space down the RM left.
However, another nice combo, this time between sub. Ceballos and Vini gave the Brazilian his double.
Argentinian Vietto did have the last word after he turned in from close range for goal number eight.
So no shortage of entertainment for the Moroccan neutrals and something for both sides with Real getting another trophy for that large cabinet and a first-ever such final for Ramon Diaz's Saudi team.
Watching from the sidelines Carlo Ancelotti could enjoy the moment and then think about much bigger challenges, not least playing Liverpool at Anfield.
As to this event - it was always unbalanced with long, likely, fruitless trips for the likes of Auckland and often limited media interest in parts of Europe.
It definitely needs a revamp and a revitalisation.
report & analysis - John Bethell
For almost a decade African Soccer News has been covering and reporting on African soccer both at home and worldwide.
African Soccer News is at the forefront of reporting on games worldwide and featuring articles that are both informative and newsworthy.
African Soccer News is the leading journal of African Soccer and African players worldwide.