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Real Madrid defended their Club World Cup title and became the first team in history to do so. The Club World Cup is Real's 5th title this year to round off a successful 2017. Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliant free-kick in the 53rd minute settled the game in Real's favour.
Zidane made three changes to the team that beat Al Jazira on Wednesday. Toni Kroos, Carvajal, and Sergio Ramos returned to the starting lineup as the gaffer fielded his best eleven for the final. Gremio named an unchanged side that defeated Pachuca in the semi-finals.
On that note, Let's see the key talking points from the final.
#5 Real failed to create clear-cut chances in the first half
Real started the game well as expected and dominated the possession. They moved the ball well in the opponent's half and looked firmly in control of the game. Their first corner came in the 11th minute but Real could not make anything out of it.
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Real's first big chance came in the 20th minute but Carvajal's effort was cleared away for a corner. Another chance fell to Luka Modric but he dragged his shot wide. Ronaldo failed to hit the target when presented with an opportunity from a free-kick.
The first half finished 0-0 as Real were unable to create any clear-cut chances throughout the 45 minutes. The lack of sharpness in front of goal was clearly evident once again for real Madrid.
#4 Gremio defended brilliantly throughout the game
Real started the game on the front foot and Gremio was made to get men behind the ball in their own box. Los Blancos moved the ball quick, looking for an opportunity to break Gremio's resolute defence.
Gremio were excellent off the ball, closing down Real Madrid players quickly. They defended the corners well and the Spaniards struggled to create scoring opportunities. Ronaldo looked certain to break the deadlock in the 38th minute but a last-ditch tackle from Kannemann rescued Gremio.
Renato Portaluppi's side made crucial interventions throughout the half and their keeper Marcelo Grohe was hardly called into action in the first 45 minutes. Though their defence was stretched in the second half by Madrid, they held their ground well and thwarted Real.
#3 Benzema is walking on thin ice
It doesn't look like Karim Benzema's poor form will end anytime soon. Partnered with Ronaldo in the attack, the Frenchman struggled once again to create anything for Real Madrid.
He hardly influenced Real's attacking play and looked isolated for most of the first half. He could register just one shot on target in the first half and was rarely involved in the game. He did not fare any better in the second half and was merely a spectator throughout the game.
He has not done anything over the past few weeks to justify his place in the team. With Borja Mayoral and Gareth Bale in the team, Benzema may have to warm the bench for the El Clasico next week.
#2 Gremio's penalty shout in the second half
Brazilian teams are always known for their attacking flair but Gremio failed to showcase it on Saturday. Apart from a couple of half chances, they hardly did anything to trouble Real Madrid's defence.
Luan showed some flashes of brilliance for Gremio but failed to get into the game fully. Edilson tried his luck from long range in the first half but they failed to create anything in the attacking third. They were unlucky not to get a penalty in the 52nd minute when Sergio Ramos appeared to have fouled Ramiro.
They lacked the attacking intent on the evening and the experience of Real Madrid made life difficult for the Brazilan side.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid's rescue
One of the positive for Zidane on Saturday was Cristiano Ronaldo's performance. He was involved in every attacking play of Real Madrid and combined well with Marcelo, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos.
Like in the semi-final, Ronaldo could have grabbed a hat-trick if he had stayed sharp in front of goal. He missed an opportunity late in the first half when he delayed his shot towards goal. He struck a free kick wide in the 40th minute but moved into top gear during the second half.
He missed a glorious chance in the 51st minute but scored the match-winning goal in the 53rd minute with a trademark Ronaldo free kick. He had a goal disallowed in the 59th minute and forced Grohe into a brilliant save late in the game. Overall, a good game for the Portuguese captain.
