European Cup holders Real Madrid of Spain beat South American champions Vasco da Gama of Brazil 2-1 in Tokyo yesterday to win the Inter-Continental Cup for the second time.

Real Madrid, who won the de facto world club title for the first time in 1960, led 1-0 at half-time after a cross from Brazilian international Roberto Carlos was headed into his own net by Nasa in the 25th minute.

But Vasco da Gama, who won the South American Cup for the first time this year, hit back in the 56th minute when Juninho trapped a loose ball after a shot at goal and struck home an equaliser.

Real Madrid, seven-time European champions, scored the decider in the 83rd minute when Spanish international Raul rounded two defenders to score with a right-foot shot from the front of the goal.

Roberto Carlos, who helped Brazil finish runners-up to France in the World Cup finals last July in France, said Real Madrid had made "a big effort" to win the title.

It is the fourth year in a row that a Europan side has won the competition.