'Los Blancos' go into the game in the UAE as hot favourites, though history shows that it isn't over until the fat lady sings at the Club World Cup.
The European sides always go into the tournament as favourites, though the stats don't necessarily reflect that idea.
Of the four games against Brazilian sides, only Pep Guardiola's Barcelona against Santos in 2011 have managed to emerge victorious as a European team.
Added to that, Real will go into Saturday's game with one eye firmly on next weekend's 'Clásico', with Zinedine Zidane's men needing a win to keep their title hopes alive.
The fear of injuries and suspensions could hold Real back against Gremio and although Marcelo has insisted that Real will not take their foot off the gas against the Brazilians actions speak a lot louder than words.
Zidane will look to carefully manage the retuning Raphael Varane and Gareth Bale to ensure that they can feature at the Barnabeu next week, whilst the Frenchman will also keep an eye on captain Sergio Ramos after he missed the semi-final as a precaution.
A win is almost essential for Real, with the club looking to go into the Barca game on a high and add another title to their trophy cabinet. Whilst a loss wouldn't be the end of the world, it would heap further pressure on boss Zinedine Zidane and damage the mood in the camp ahead of what is without doubt the biggest game of their season so far.