(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Spanish club Real Madrid's gold rush continued with 1-0 victory over Brazil's Gremio to clinch the third Fifa Club World Cup at a packed Zayed Sports City Stadium in the UAE Capital on Saturday night.
The man for the big occasion, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in 53 minutes, his second of the tournament, to help Real Madrid become the first team to retain the title. Real Madrid, thus, equaled record set by rivals Barcelona - champions in 2009, 2011 and 2015. This is record fifth title this year for Zinedine Zidane's boys after La Liga, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Champions League and Spanish Super Cup in the kitty making it the best-ever season.
Real Madrid meant business as Sergio Ramos and Toni Kroos made the starting line-up. And Gremio captain and defender Pedro Geromel set the tone for the match with a rash challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo that left marks on the striker's prized legs. Real Madrid hunted for early goals and were mainly effective through the left flank with Marcelo, Toni Kroos, Ronaldo and Benzema knitting a chain of passes for the final assault. Defender Raphael Varane threatened with long passes from deep and damaging run-ins. Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos registered presence with biting attempts. Midfielder Isco would float either side to deliver the goods. Amid entire Real Madrid machinery being thrown at Gremio, the debutants stood up unperturbed.
Gremio back four of Edilson, Walter Kannemann, Pedro and Bruno Cortez with keeper Marcelo Grohe withstood everything. Edilson with an exacting free-kick gave an account of attacking intent.
In a cat-and-mouse game, Gremio players would steal ball from Real's legs. Every attack was met with a pre-planned defence move. Gremio defence had answers to every difficult poser from Real. The Brazilian titan frustrated the Spanish powerhouse and each effort to net a goal was blocked out.
The only way a goal seemed coming was through a direct free-kick and in 39 minutes Real Madrid came close as Ronaldo's rocket flew inches over the bar. However, at the end of first-half, there were no goals for nine attempts by Real and one from Gremio.
After the break, battles resumed with more vigour. Gremio's Ramiro forayed through the right and was swept aside by Ramos with swagger. Gremio player appealed for foul but wasn't given and at other end Ronaldo was pinned by midfielder Jailson. There was a free-kick given and Ronaldo had the ball in back of the net to open the account. Minutes later Ronaldo had one back again but Benzema was ruled off-side. On a windy night, Real players turned up the heat on Gremio. Ronaldo continued his good run with more attempts. With his winning goal, he made it number seven, thereby, widening the gap with Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Cesar Delgado at five. With 10 minutes to go, Gareth Bale was introduced and within minutes he had one ripper sail over the crossbar. Real maintained pressure as they went all-out to scuttle any Gremio comeback. The 'King of Cups' from Brazil made it an exciting final and will be disappointed to leave as the second-best.
Real Madrid as champions also ensure the supremacy of European teams in the competition.
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