Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup Final victory

Real Madrid is once again Club World Cup Champions following their victory over Copa Libertadores victors, Grêmio, on Saturday afternoon. The Spanish club lifted their sixth CWC trophy (the first back-to-back winners) and their fifth trophy of the year. Here are our three takeaways from the game.

The team has continued it’s improved rhythm

Many Real Madrid fans felt the performance against Sevilla was an anomalous game, however, the team has continued its recent turnaround of form with a string of good performances. Despite initially going behind against Al Jazira, the team controlled that game from start to finish.

It is also worth noting that the game against Al Jazira had various factors to consider with the main one being the fact that the majority of Madrid’s key players did not start and some didn’t even play in that game.

However, against Grêmio – the usual suspects took to the field and played from start to finish in convincing fashion. Despite a few questionable performances, the cohesion of the team was strong as they kept Grêmio limited throughout the game. Although only the solitary goal was scored – there were plenty of chances created and one questionable offside decision which saw a Cristiano Ronaldo goal disallowed.

Despite not having the most flattering scoreline given the quality of performance, the team should be happy and confident for the impending Clasico.

Should Isco and Benzema be dropped?

Isco did not have the best of games against Grêmio.

Despite creating a few chances throughout the game here and there, he was largely ineffective throughout and often stalled attacks by overhitting pass or losing possession. His style is beginning to cause debate amongst the Madrid faithful as there are some who feel that the rather extreme free roaming role he has is causing the team to lose structure and struggle as a result.

It is not hard to see the logic in that argument as often throughout the game the attacking midfielder was found doubled up in positions with Benzema and Ronaldo which led to a bit of a clogged attack. Whilst nobody disputes his quality – the loss of form is something to be concerned about.

On the other side of the coin, we have the hotly disputed Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has had an extremely mixed bag of a season to date, with the majority of it being negative. Despite having the most shots on goal in this game and having a fantastic assist wrongly ruled out, the striker had a poor game.

Often losing the ball and misplacing his passes alongside many wayward shot attempts. Many are calling for the Frenchman to be dropped, is it time for that to happen?

Is it time to trust Gareth Bale?

Gareth Bale is also a divisive figure amongst Madridistas.

Despite strong showings this season, his persistent injury troubles have made for frustrations to grow with the Welshman. However, he scored the game-winning goal against Al Jazira and when he came on for Benzema against Grêmio, his influence was immediately apparent. He made numerous marauding runs at the Brazilian backline and almost popped a goal in with a beautiful outside of the boot attempt which was tipped just over.

His constant pressure and direct play caused more problems for the opposing team than Benzema did arguably all game.

With numerous strong cameo appearances, Bale is certainly staking a claim for a starting spot in the Clasico. The Welshman has a quality that cannot be denied and he certainly can be a decider in games. With the poor form of Benzema considered, should Bale take his place in the starting XI?

The forward has certainly shown he is ready and he has the desire to help push the team into the what is now the business end of the season. However, we’ve been here before when it comes to Bale – a strong few showings before ultimately being hampered by his fitness woes; is this another one of those occasions?

Only time will tell but its certainly time to trust the Welshman given that he could be the boost the team needs.

Next: Real Madrid 1 – Grêmio 0: Quick recap of the FIFA Club World Cup Final

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more post-match coverage!

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more post-match coverage!