Real Madrid v Kashima Antlers | FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016 Final | Match Highlights

The whole of Japan had been waiting in anticipation for this night. The final of the 13th FIFA Club World Cup. Real Madrid, champions of Europe, against the J-League champions, Kashima Antlers. And it was Real Madrid, as expected, who drew first blood with Karim Benzema taking advantage of the mistake by goalkeeper Soge Hatta who had been so impressive in earlier matches. But back came these durable players from Japan and when the ball was popped into the penalty area it was driven hard and low into the net by Gaku Shibasaki. After initial inroads made by Shoma Doi, those flags were flying. We wondered if there was a big shock on the cards. Into the second half and the same man, Shibasaki, gave us a moment to remember for the rest of our lives. Driven hard and low to the goalkeeper's right, Navas couldn't keep it out. This was what it meant to the whole of Japan and Shibasaki was threatening to be the hero of the evening. This is an outrageous skill. A lot of clubs will have taken note of that. But when they needed a lifeline, Real Madrid got one. The foul there after the run into the penalty area of Vasquez and a yellow card shown to the defender, Yamamoto, Cristiano Ronaldo. Yes, he could. 2-2 it was, and the European champions back on track. It was a lifeline. Marcelo then, knocking a ball in, and it was back to Benzema. He had the shot, tipped away, and although the net was fouled by Ronaldo, it didn't count, that was offside. But there would be other moments to savour for him. Benzema, forward here into the 18-yard area. Ronaldo on one occasion, unable to beat the goalkeeper. Could Koshima still upset the odds? Well, Sakticik from Brazil, Fabrizio, managing to extend Neves, but the game went into extra time. 30 more minutes, a test of hearts and minds, and bodies, to say nothing else. Benzema then, threaded the ball through, and Cristiano Ronaldo began to wipe out the dream of Japan. Ronaldo second on the night, driven in typically with the left foot. Lovely ball from Benzema. Ronaldo onside and tucked it away. And suddenly there was a spring in the step of the Portuguese. Two for him on the night, Real Madrid led 3-2. Back they came again, this terrific output. The ball coming off the crossbar, the header was from substitute Suzuki, but it was to be Real Madrid tonight, and you would know who it would be who would finish it off. The ball landing at the foot of Cristiano Ronaldo, and the four-time winner of the Ballon d'Or had seen Real Madrid through a sticky night, a difficult final for them, but it would be Real Madrid who would ultimately prevail, thanks to a man smacking in his fourth goal of this Club World Cup, and his fifth in history, making him equal joint top scorer.