In 2016, Kashima lost to Los Blancos in the FIFA Club World Cup final and now, thanks to second-half goals by Ryota Nagaki, Serginho and Hiroki Abe, they will have the opportunity to renew rivalries in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Asian champions had fallen at the first hurdle of the tournament in four of the past six years but Kashima avoided the same fate as Urawa Red Diamonds (2017), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2016), Western Sydney Wanderers (2014) and Ulsan Hyundai Motors (2012) with a spirited showing at Al Ain’s Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

Early strikes from Mohamed Ahmad and Hussein El Shahat set reigning UAE Pro League champions on their way and a second-half goal from Bandar Al Ahbabi secured the win. Al Ain will now take on Copa Libertadores winners River Plate in the semi-final back at their Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

Both teams unfurled enormous banners ahead of the game and there was frenzied atmosphere throughout the all-Arab clash.

The Boss found themselves 3-0 down after 44 minutes but showed great spirit to score three goals and take the match to extra-time and then penalties.

Two saves from goalkeeper Khalid Eisa saw Al Ain emerge victorious and they now play CAF Champions League winners Esperance in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Despite watching his side struggle to beat a semi-professional team, Mamic was happy with the resilience demonstrated by his players.

 

The Boss have won the UAE Pro League title in four of the past seven seasons and expectations were high that they could progress into the latter stages of the competition, where the likes of River Plate and Real Madrid await.

But the 2003 AFC Champions League winners almost succumbed to a defeat, needing a penalty shootout to advance as their defence was badly exposed by the OFC side.