Real Madrid finish second after 4-1 win over Ajax
Real Madrid made light work of Ajax with an emphatic 4-1 win, but still had to settle for second place in Champions League group D.
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and a Jose Callejon double in the Santiago Bernabeu sealed the Spanish champions' victory, but top spot in the group went to Borussia Dortmund, who beat Manchester City 1-0.
Derk Boerrigter got the consolation for the Dutch, who gave a good account of themselves and were rewarded with a place in the Europa League after finishing third ahead of Manchester City, who came a miserable last.
Afterwards Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was full of praise for the performance of ex-Tottenham Hotspur player Luka Modric, who gave two wonderful assists for his side's first goals of the evening.
"Modric has already performed well for us in a number of games, he is a great player who can play at the highest level, nobody can deny he is going to be an important signing for the future of this club," he said.
Ajax coach Ronald de Boer was not as enthused with his side's performance but looked forward to playing the Europa League.
"I'm disappointed, Madrid have some fantastic players but we had eight or so playing below their normal level. I told them at half-time and they improved," he said. "Overall we can be proud to come third in this group and we have a good chance in the next competition. We can reach the final."
