Ronaldo strike wins the Club World Cup for Real Madrid

Real Madrid had Cristiano Ronaldo to thank once more as they beat Grêmio 1-0 to clinch the FIFA Club World Cup for a third time, matching Barcelona's record – and taking their tally of intercontinental titles to six.

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The European champions started in aggressive fashion, and both Ronaldo and Dani Carvajal enjoyed decent chances in the first half against their Brazilian opponents. Grêmio were defending diligently, eager to catch Madrid on the break, and that left Luka Modrić and Isco to hunt for spaces between the lines.

Ronaldo runs to the sidelines to celebrate©Getty Images

The pressure eventually told in the 53rd minute, though it took a free-kick for Ronaldo to open the scoring. Madrid never looked like slipping up after that and they continued to dominate possession while creating more chances, Modrić notably sending one against the post.

The eventual success brought Zinédine Zidane's side a fifth trophy for the year following their triumphs 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 (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