Ronaldo retains Club World Cup for Real Madrid

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Cristiano Ronaldo scored with a free kick which went through the defensive wall to break Gremio's brave resistance and give Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over the South American champions in the Club World Cup final.

Ronaldo's 53rd-minute strike gave Real their second world title in a row, the third in the last four seasons.

Overall, it was the Spanish club's sixth world title as they also won the old Intercontinental Cup – now recognized by FIFA – three times. Real also extended European dominance with 10 wins out of 13 since the club cup was started in its current form in 2005.

"I am very happy, to have won this trophy that we really wanted. Real Madrid has never won five trophies in a year. Obviously we are very happy. The players, Real Madrid. The records are something that comes naturally, I am happy to know I have beaten another record as the biggest goal scorer in the Club World Cup," Ronaldo said.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates scoring a goal. /VCG Photo

Gremio survived the first half with their goal intact thanks to some resolute, last-ditch tackling.

Pedro Geromel cleared Daniel Carvajal's shot off the line with goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe beaten, Isco and Luka Modric both fired shots wide and Walter Kannemann made a last-gasp saving tackle on Ronaldo as he was about to shoot.

Edilson had Gremio's best effort with a 35-meter free kick that dipped and swerved just over the bar – their only shot of the match.

Real broke through after Ronaldo won a free kick around 25 meters from goal. As usual, the Portuguese took it himself and blasted a low shot which flew through the wall, bounced and squeezed inside Grohe's near post.

"We controlled the possession, and with this team when we start to move that ball is very difficult for any rival. I think we did a great match, and I am very happy for this title," Zinedine Zidane said.