A match with mighty Real Madrid proved a step too far for valiant Al Ain, but the UAE side have been hailed for putting their country on the footballing map by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai offered words of praises for Real Madrid and the Arabian Gulf League champions after the Spanish giants eased to a 4-1 triumph in the Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.
Al Ain may have tasted defeat in an action-packed final, but their place in history was already secure after they shocked South America's best, River Plate in the tournament semi-final to become the first UAE team to reach the final of the competition.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid took to Twitter soon after the final whistle at Zayed Sports City to offer his congratulations.
"Congratulations, Real Madrid win the Club World Cup. Congratulations to Al Ain," wrote Sheikh Mohammed.
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