CONCACAF Champions League holders Cruz Azul take on top European side Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semi-final in Marakech.

Due to the poor state of the pitch in Rabat, where the game was originally due to take place, the match has been moved to Marakech.

The Mexican giants surprisingly experienced all sorts of problems in the quarter-finals against Auckland City, needing the extra time to eliminate the Australian side.

Gerardo Torrado’s last-gasp penalty ensured the game went to extra time, where Cruz Azul scored two more goals to secure their progress.

However, the Mexican champions face a much tougher task against mighty Real Madrid, and they are 12.00 (11/1) with Paddy Power to qualify.

Mexico international Jesus Corona, Marco Fabian and Francisco Rodriguez will be the men to watch for the nominal hosts, while former Real Betis striker Mariano Pavone will be eager to continue his scoring run.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Corona – Flores, Rodriguez, Dominguez, Pinto – Gimenez, Torrado, Baez, Fabian – Pavone, Formica.

Real Madrid arrive at the Club World Cup tournament in excellent spirits and the title is without a doubt theirs to lose.

Los Blancos are enjoying one of the best seasons in club’s history and have now won unbelievable twenty straight matches in all competitions.

Real experienced some problems against Almeria at the weekend, as the hosts missed a penalty to make it 2-2 before Cristiano Ronaldo killed off the game with two more goals.

And with los Blancos arriving in Morocco with the strongest possible squad, it is hardly surprising they are 1.10 (1/10) to see off Cruz Azul in regulation time.

Luka Modric is the only first team regular that didn’t make the squad, although James Rodriguez will not be ready to play in the semi-final.

Sami Khedira should recover in time to be in contention, with youngster Alvaro Medran also in the squad as a reward for his good showings of late.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Casillas – Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo – Kroos, Illarramendi, Isco – Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.