Real Madrid begin their FIFA Club World Cup defence in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday as they set out to join Barcelona as the competition’s record three-time winners.
The holders added to their 2014 triumph last year and will be looking to equal their arch-rivals as they kick off with a semi-final against United Arab Emirates champions Al-Jazira. The winners of that tie will face Brazilian side Grêmio in Saturday’s final.
Coach Zinédine Zidane has called on a squad of 24 players for the tournament, with Cristiano Ronaldo making the trip shortly after winning a joint record fifth Ballon d’Or. The Portugal forward scored a hat-trick in last year’s final as Madrid defeated Kashima Antlers 4-2 after extra time in Yokohama.
Real Madrid’s squad in Abu Dhabi
Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Kiko Casilla, Moha Ramos.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Jesús Vallejo, Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Theo Hernández, Achraf Hakimi.
Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, Casemiro, Marcos Llorente, Marco Asensio, Isco, Mateo Kovačić, Dani Ceballos.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Lucas Vázquez, Borja Mayoral.
FIFA Club World Cup roll of honour
Barcelona 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
Real Madrid 2 (2014, 2016)
Corinthians 2 (2000, 2012)
AC Milan 1 (2007)
Bayern München 1 (2013)
Internacional 1 (2006)
Internazionale Milano 1 (2010)
Manchester United 1 (2008)
São Paulo 1 (2005)
World club titles in full: European/South American Cup + FIFA Club World Cup
Real Madrid 5 (1960, 1998, 2002 + 2014, 2016)
AC Milan 4 (1969, 1989, 1990 + 2007)
Barcelona 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
Bayern München 3 (1976, 2001 + 2013)
Boca Juniors 3 (1977, 2000, 2003)
Internazionale Milano 3 (1964, 1965 + 2010)
Nacional 3 (1971, 1989, 1988)
Peñarol 3 (1961, 1966, 1982)
São Paulo 3 (1992, 1993 + 2005)
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