Sunday 10 December 2017, 19:08

Holders arrive with sights set on retaining title

  • Real Madrid set to contest Club World Cup for fourth time

  • Los Blancos gunning for their third global crown

  • Spaniards face local side Al Jazira in UAE 2017 semi-finals

Real Madrid have touched down in Abu Dhabi three days before they enter the fray at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017. Los Blancos are due to take on local champions Al Jazira in the competition's second semi-final.

After tasting glory in the 2014 and 2016 editions, the Madrilenians have arrived raring to claim a second straight title and a third overall. With morale soaring following an emphatic league victory over Sevilla, the first step for the European giants is a meeting with the team who have taken the tournament by storm.

Al Jazira are looking to continue their dream run after upsetting seasoned campaigners Auckland City and Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds en route to the last four. They have shown great organisation and resolve thus far, keeping a clean sheet in both of their games, but they now face their fiercest test yet from a Real Madrid side blessed with fearsome firepower, headed by The Best FIFA Men's Player 2017 Cristiano Ronaldo.