The match was a tight affair with Ronaldo's set piece the only difference between the two sides.

Copa Libertadores champions Gremio, from Brazil, had offered a solid defensive performance in the first half and kept the score down to 0-0 at half-time

Renato Portaluppi's side continued this good display in the second half, causing Real Madrid's players to get visibly frustrated at their inability to break down their opponent's backline.

However, 2017 Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo fired home the only goal of the game with a low free kick in the 53rd minute to hand the Spanish European champions the lead.

The Portugal international thought he had doubled his side's lead in the 59th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Despite needing a goal to stay in the game at this point, Gremio failed to muster any kind of meaningful attack.

Today's victory means that Real Madrid, managed by FIFA World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, are the only team to ever defend the FIFA Club World Cup and have also now equalled FC Barcelona’s record of three titles.

Additionally, the club have won five trophies in a calendar year for the first time in their history.

Although Real Madrid's Croation international midfielder Luka Modric collected the Golden Ball award for the best player, manager Zidane said it was imperative that Ronaldo stays at the club.

"For us, it is fundamental that Cristiano stays all his life," he said.

"He is in his club, in his house and what he has done, no-one else is going to do it.

"So I hope he continues like this until his retirement."

Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football Champions League holders CF Pachuca won the bronze medal match earlier in the day thanks to a 4-1 victory over hosts Al Jazira, giving the Mexican side their best-ever finish at the Club World Cup.

Diego Alonso's Pachuca team took the lead in the 37th minute through Uruguay international Jonathan Urretaviscaya's right-footed finish.

Al Jazira increased their tempo after half-time and eventually found the back of the net through Mbark Boussoufa in the 57th minute.

However, the Mexican team's superior ability shone through in the end as Franco Jara and Roberto de la Rosa increased the lead to 3-1 before Angelo Sagal's 84th minute penalty sealed the 4-1 win.