Champions League holders Real Madrid moved a step closer to their next title. Real made their way into the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan with a 2-0 win over Mexico’s Club América. Toni Kroos and the Spanish giants will come up against record Japanese champions Kasima Antlers on Sunday (11:30). The semi-final result saw Real extend their unbeaten run to 36 games. Club América had qualified for the semi-final having won the CONCACAF Champions League.
Striker Karim Benzema scored the opening goal of the game in Yokohama. Toni Kroos assisted the Frenchman, who netted on the stroke of half time (45+2’). EURO 2016 winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who picked up the prestigious Ballon d’Or award on Monday, scored in added-time (90+3’) to score Real’s second of the game. The Portugal international had a good chance to open his account in the first half, but his header could only hit the post (26’). Ronaldo then had the ball in the back of the net six minutes later, but he was adjudged to be offside.
The local heroes Kashima were a surprise package against favourites Copa-Libertadores winners Atlético Nacional from Colombia, winning 3-0 to reach the final. The two sides who lost their semi finals will play in a third-play playoff on Sunday (08:00 CET).
Champions League holders Real Madrid moved a step closer to their next title. Real made their way into the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan with a 2-0 win over Mexico’s Club América. Toni Kroos and the Spanish giants will come up against record Japanese champions Kasima Antlers on Sunday (11:30). The semi-final result saw Real extend their unbeaten run to 36 games. Club América had qualified for the semi-final having won the CONCACAF Champions League.
Striker Karim Benzema scored the opening goal of the game in Yokohama. Toni Kroos assisted the Frenchman, who netted on the stroke of half time (45+2’). EURO 2016 winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who picked up the prestigious Ballon d’Or award on Monday, scored in added-time (90+3’) to score Real’s second of the game. The Portugal international had a good chance to open his account in the first half, but his header could only hit the post (26’). Ronaldo then had the ball in the back of the net six minutes later, but he was adjudged to be offside.
The local heroes Kashima were a surprise package against favourites Copa-Libertadores winners Atlético Nacional from Colombia, winning 3-0 to reach the final. The two sides who lost their semi finals will play in a third-play playoff on Sunday (08:00 CET).
