(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency)
Barcelona, Rabi'I 28, 1439, December 16, 2017, SPA -- Cristiano Ronaldo's free kick fired a dominant Real
Madrid to a 1-0 win over Gremio in the Club World Cup final in the
United Arab Emirates, according to dpa.
Victory at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi earned Madrid their fifth trophy of a successful 2017, after the Champions League, La Liga, UEFA Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup.
Madrid joined rivals Barcelona as joint record winners of the Club World Cup with their third triumph after wins in 2014 and 2016, while they also became the first team to defend the trophy.
Zinedine Zidane's side were on top throughout but in the end only Ronaldo's 53rd minute free kick, hammered through the wall, separated them from the South American champions.
Gremio defender Pedro Geromel gave Madrid an early warning that they would not roll over with an ugly tackle on Ronaldo that could have been punished with a card.
Madrid kept control of the game with Ronaldo, Isco and Luka Modric firing off-target as the Spanish giants created plenty of openings but could not take advantage.
However, eight minutes into the second half Ronaldo, who became the Club World Cup's all-time top goalscorer in the semi-final against Al Jazira, struck again.
The Portuguese forward was brought down around 25 yards out and he rammed a low free kick home through the wall.
Ronaldo had a second goal ruled out after Karim Benzema strayed offside in the build up as Madrid tried to turn the screw.
Modric had a fierce effort from distance tipped onto the post by Marcelo Grohe, while the Copa Libertadores champions failed to trouble Keylor Navas.
Gareth Bale, who scored the winner against Al Jazira, forced Grohe to tip a vicious swerving strike over in a bright substitute appearance.
Madrid head home with another trophy under their belt and can now turn their attention to the Clasico on December 23, as they try to pull themselves back into the Spanish title race.
Earlier Saturday Mexico's Pachuca claimed third place with a 4-1 win over UAE champions Al Jazira.
--SPA
22:21 LOCAL TIME 19:21 GMT
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