Ronaldo provides the spark for Madrid to claim world crown

After squeaking through to the final having survived a scare against Al Jazira, Real Madrid's resolve was truly tested by Brazilian side Gremio, whose stubborn defending frustrated Zidane's men throughout the entire first half.

A cynical tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo within the first minute set the mood for the rest of the clash. The Portuguese striker was caught by the studs of Gremio captain Geromel, a challenge that somehow went unpunished.

The South American champions allowed Real to dominate possession, and were content to patiently await their chance on the break. The 'Blancos' had the ball and the chances, but nothing to show for it as they went back into the tunnel at half time.

Isco and Modric dominated the tempo in midfield and Ronaldo and Benzema looked lively up front, but Gremio by no means made life easy for the reigning champions of Spain. Grohe was not really tested in goal partly thanks to fantastic defending from the players in front of him.

The Brazilians weathered an early Madrid storm, only to fashion a couple of chances at the other end to get into the game before the break. However, all their hard work was undone after the interval when Cristiano Ronaldo sent a free-kick flying into the bottom corner. The Gremio players looked demoralised, and rightly so.

An industrious performance from the Brazilians in defence had managed to frustrate Ronaldo and his teammates, but the Portuguese star put an end to a disappointing evening by finding a gap in the wall from the set piece.

Madrid cranked up the pressure after breaking the deadlock, piling bodies forward in search of a goal to double their lead. Despite not recording a single shot on target in the final, Gremio were in it until the very end. The South American champions were a lingering threat on the counter-attack as the clash went right down to the wire.

Real had chances to keep Gremio at arm's length with another goal, but they could not deliver the final product in a somewhat out-of-sorts performance in attack. Zidane's men held onto the ball in the middle of the park and Gareth Bale's late contributions sparked Madrid back into life, but it was not enough to avoid a nervy ending as Gremio launched one final attempt to beat Keylor Navas.

Real Madrid become the first club to retain the Club World Cup trophy, equalling Barcelona's record of three titles. A crucial win to boost confidence in the Spanish capital after a stuttering start to the season.