Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has branded his side's Club World Cup final opponents Kashima Antlers "a good, organised team who run a lot".

Los Blancos booked their spot in the final of the showpiece tournament courtesy of a 2-0 win over Club America in the semi-finals last week, while Antlers shocked Colombian outfit Atletico Nacional to reach the final.

Real Madrid are the overwhelming favourites to triumph in Yokohama, but Zidane is expecting a difficult match against the Japanese side, who are the first Asian team to reach the final of the Club World Cup.

"[Kashima] have already won three games and deserve to be in the final. After a week, we are ready and prepared to play. Japanese football has improved a lot over time, and that is shown by the great work done by the coaches and the players. They are a good, organised team who run a lot," Zidane told Marca.

Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were both on the scoresheet for Real Madrid in their semi-final against Club America.

Written by
Matt Law