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’…