Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick made the difference as Real Madrid beat Grêmio to win their third FIFA Club World Cup; UEFA.com sums up the European champions latest success.
Real Madrid had Cristiano Ronaldo to thank once more as they beat Grêmio 1-0 to win the FIFA Club World Cup for a third time, matching Barcelona’s record – and took their tally of intercontinental titles to six.
The European champions started aggressively, Cristiano Ronaldo and Dani Carvajal both having decent chances. Their Brazilian opponents defended diligently, eager to catch Real Madrid on the break, while Luka Modrić and Isco tried to find spaces between the Grêmio lines.
Pressure eventually told in the second half, though it took a free-kick for Ronaldo to open the scoring in the 53rd minute. However, Madrid never looked like slipping up, dominating possession for the remainder of the game, and creating more chances, Modrić notably hitting one against the post.
The success brings Zinédine Zidane’s side a fifth trophy for the year following their triumps in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Liga and Spanish Super Cup.
HOW THEY LINED UP
Keylor Navas; Marcelo, Ramos, Varane, Carvajal; Kroos, Casemiro, Modrić; Ronaldo, Benzema (Bale 80), Isco (Vázquez 73)
WHAT THEY SAID
Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid forward
“Amazing. It was a trophy we wanted to win. Madrid have never won five trophies in the same year – Zidane told us that and it really motivated us. My numbers speak for themselves. I’m very happy. I do my talking on the pitch and I’ve helped the team to another title win today.”
Raphaël Varane Real Madrid defender
“The team worked very hard – we’re thrilled. It’s been a fantastic 2017 and we have to congratulate everyone. Winning five titles is not easy; we know how difficult it is to win these finals. We will keep fighting to win more trophies.”
FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP ROLL OF HONOUR
Barcelona – 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
Real Madrid – 3 (2014, 2016, 2017)
Corinthians – 2 (2000, 2012)
AC Milan – 1 (2007)
Bayern München – 1 (2013)
Internacional – 1 (2006)
Internazionale Milano – 1 (2010)
Manchester United – 1 (2008)
São Paulo – 1 (2005)
WORLD CLUB TITLES IN FULL*
Real Madrid – 6 (1960, 1998, 2002+2014, 2016, 2017)
AC Milan – 4 (1969, 1989, 1990+2007)
Barcelona – 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
Bayern München – 3 (1976, 2001+2013)
Boca Juniors – 3 (1977, 2000, 2003)
Internazionale Milano – 3 (1964, 1965+2010)
Nacional – 3 (1971, 1989, 1988)
Peñarol – 3 (1961, 1966, 1982)
São Paulo – 3 (1992, 1993+2005)
*European/South American Cup plus FIFA Club World Cup
SOURCE: UEFA.COM
