Ronaldo strikes late as Real Madrid reach Club World Cup final
Superstar adds to Benzema’s earlier goal as Spanish giants beat Mexico’s Club America 2-0 to set up showdown with Japan’s Kashima Antlers
Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were on target as Real Madrid eased past Mexico’s Club America 2-0 on Thursday to reach the Club World Cup final in Japan.
The Spanish giants will face shock finalists and local favourites Kashima Antlers in Yokohama on Sunday as they look to capture their second world title in three years.
“Our sole aim was to reach the final – so it’s job done,” Real coach Zinedine Zidane said after watching his side extend their club record unbeaten run to 36 matches in all competitions.
“We didn’t have a great rhythm in the first half but in the second half we created a lot of chances and Cristiano finally scored so I’m very satisfied,” added the Frenchman.
Zidane’s countryman Benzema said: “It was a hard game against a tough team. The conditions were difficult too with the long journey we’ve had but we played well and won the game – now for the final.”
With Ronaldo firing blanks until scoring with virtually the last kick of the game, Benzema struck in first-half stoppage time, finishing clinically with the outside of his right boot after a deft pass from Toni Kroos.