Real Madrid vs Kashima Antlers, Club World Cup 2016: Match Preview

Real Madrid face Kashima Antlers in the Club World Cup Final on Sunday.

Los Blancos brushed Mexican side Club America aside 2-0 in the Semi Final on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were on target for a strong Real side who still needed some time to get comfortable on the pitch.

Their opponents are making history already as the Japanese side are the first from Asia to contest the final. Kashima progressed after defeating Atletico Nacional 3-0 in their semi-final, including a controversial call using FIFA's new video refereeing. Atletico Nacional could've been a very tough team to beast for Madrid as they defend well, but Kashima ended up earning the ticket to the Final.

Real will make it 37 games without defeat in all competitions should they lift the trophy.

Boss Zinedine Zidane has reinforced the importance of winning another title, so expect only a couple, if any changes from the side that won the semi final, other than Sergio Ramos making his return to the team after missing the Semifinal against Club America.

"This title is very important to us, we came here to win this trophy. We have to play good football and do the job we're here to do. It will be a tough game because our opponents will make it difficult for us but we're ready. We started a bit off colour on Thursday because of the journey, the pitch and everything, but now we're ready to play in another final," said Zidane.

Casemiro, Modric and Kroos are expected to start in the midfield with Lucas Vazquez, Ronaldo and Benzema upfront. Vazquez has been the undisputed starter ever since Gareth Bale injured his ankle and the Spanish winger hasn't been as brilliant as when he comes off the bench.

Madrid are obviously considered the heavy favorites to win the game and raise the title but Kashima will be hoping to contain their efforts with the help of the Japanese fans.

The game kicks off at 11:30am CET, 07:30pm local time.

Real Madrid projected XI: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Vazquez, Ronaldo, Benzema.

Kashima Antlers projected XI: Sogahata, Nishi, Ueda, Shoji, Yamamoto, Ogasawara, Shibaski, Nakamura, Endo, Dol, Akasaki.

Staff Predictions: