Spanish giants, Real Madrid have defended their Club World Cup title after they defeated Gremio in the United Arab Emirates. Los Blancos overcame a stubborn Gremio 1-0, thanks to a free kick from Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo.
It hasn’t been a vintage performance by the European champions at the UAE, as they needed Gareth Bale and Ronaldo to come to their rescue in the semi final against Al Jazira.
With the home side 1-0 up, Bale and Ronaldo scored two goals to turn the tie in Real’s favour to earn them a final place against Brazilian side, Gremio.
However, Zinedine Zidane side found a way past Gremio, with Ronaldo at it again, to claim their fifth title of the year.
First to react to the win was German international, Toni Kroos, who says amongst other things that manager, Zidane, remains the ‘key’ to the club’s successes.
“The key to success is the quality of the squad and the hunger to keep winning,” Kroos said. “They’ve got great players and leaders. This year has been a long journey, but we have a challenge and knew we could do this. Zidane plays a key, important role because this is a big squad and they are doing a great job, as well as getting on rally well with us”.
Goalkeeper, Keylor Navas says it wasn’t an easy ride for Los Blancos, but they have no reason to complain.
“I feel privileged and very happy to get another title. You have to be very satisfied because it’s not easy to get here. We did a great job in the Champions League to get a place in the World Cup and we had to give everything to win the title against very good rivals.”
Real manager, Zidane was a proud man, with the win making it the eighth title under his charge since taking over in 2016.
“It is a great moment for all madridistas and everyone who loves this club,” Zidane opined. “There have been some great brilliant moments and we are witnessing them first hand. We have to enjoy today, the balance is good and we must continue in this manner.”
The Frenchman is already looking forward to Real Madrid’s next game, a crunch tie against La Liga leaders, Barcelona, in the El Classico.
“We are going home to relax, and then turn our attentions to El Clásico”.
