ABU DHABI: Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half free-kick ensured Real Madrid picked up a fifth trophy of 2017 by beating Gremio 1-0 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to retain the Club World Cup. Ronaldo was once again Real’s man for the big occasion as his strike went through the Gremio wall eight minutes after the break to ensure the European club champions were also crowned world champions for a fifth straight year. “We wanted to win because Real Madrid have never won five trophies in one year,” said Ronaldo. Madrid dominated possession but, unlike in their profligate semi-final performance, found clear-cut chances hard to come by against the well-organised Gremio defence. However, those claims fell on deaf ears and Madrid instantly broke up the other end to open the scoring.

Source: New Strait Times December 16, 2017 21:00 UTC