This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Cristiano Ronaldo’s superb free-kick gave Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Grêmio as the Spanish champions retained their Fifa Club World Cup title in Abu Dhabi.

Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d’Or and player of the year awards this year, broke the deadlock after 53 minutes when he clipped the ball over the wall and into the bottom corner. The hard-earned victory over a stubborn Grêmio side at the Zayed Sports City Stadium was Real’s third Club World Cup since 2014, equalling the record of their La Liga rivals Barcelona.

Real started brightly when Karim Benzema’s effort was deflected behind. Ronaldo then curled a shot wide before Isco fired over. As the half-hour mark approached, the Brazilian side had a chance to threaten when Casemiro conceded a free-kick 30 yards out. Edílson’s long-range effort flew just over.

Ronaldo found himself with a clear sight of the Grêmio goal after benefiting from a deflection but could not get the ball under control and as half-time approached, it was then Ronaldo’s turn to fire in a free-kick from distance, which again was narrowly too high.

The Champions League holders continued to press early in the second half, Ronaldo sending another long-range shot wide before the deadlock was finally broken .

The Portugal forward was tripped just outside the Grêmio penalty area by Jailson. Ronaldo got up to take the free-kick himself and he sent it over the wall and down into the bottom left corner, past the diving goalkeeper.

Grêmio, who beat the Mexican side Pachuca to secure a place in Saturday’s final, were then forced to go on the attack but lacked any real threat.

It looked as if Real had scored again just before the hour, but Ronaldo’s effort was ruled out by an offside flag.

The Grêmio goalkeeper, Marcelo Grohe, then pushed a 20-yard effort from Luka Modric on to the post as Real continued to press. With 10 minutes left Gareth Bale replaced Benzema and the Wales forward soon forced Grohe into another good save, this time tipping his curling shot over.