Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Yokohama: History making J.League champions Kashima Antlers lost to Real Madrid 4-2 after extra time in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016 after both sides had been level at 2-2 in regulation time at the International Stadium Yokohama on Sunday.
Los Blancos, who tasted victory at Morocco 2014, were made to work hard for their world title by spirited Kashima. After Karim Benzema opened the scoring on nine minutes, a Gaku Shibasaki double fired the Asian side into a dramatic second-half lead.
But the UEFA Champions League winners kept their composure and after Ronaldo restored parity with a penalty on the hour mark, the Portugal superstar inspired his side to victory with two extra-time goals.
In the first competitive meeting between the two sides, the UEFA Champions League winners took an early lead through Benzema. Luka Modric launched a powerful half-volley from the edge of the area that goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata parried into the path of the French forward, who showed natural instinct to latch onto the ball and convert from close range to record his second goal of the tournament.
A goal down, Kashima - spurred on by their vocal supporters clad in red and black - replied with an effort through Shoma Doi, who had a shot blocked by goalkeeper Keylor Navas soon after.
Kashima goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata impressed in the first-half, pulling off a stunning one-handed stop to deny a low drive from Benzema, before stopping Modric's curling effort on 37 minutes.
Despite Los Blancos' dominance, Kashima continued to pass the ball elegantly and with their first clear-cut chance, they grabbed an equaliser before the break. A Doi cross found Shibasaki in the centre of the area, who showed great composure to control the ball, beat his marker and fire past Navas to send the host fans into the raptures.
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