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Football

Real Madrid advance to Club World Cup final

Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo found the target on Thursday as Real Madrid progressed to the final of the Fifa Club World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Club America. 

Karim Benzema hit Real Madrid's first goal in the Club world Cup semi-final against Club America.
Karim Benzema hit Real Madrid's first goal in the Club world Cup semi-final against Club America. Reuters/Issei Kato
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The European champions will face surprise finalists Kashima Antlers, the J-League champions, in Yokohama on Sunday as they look to capture their second world title in three years and fifth in total.

"Our sole aim was to reach the final so it's job done," said Real coach Zinedine Zidane after watching his side extend their club record unbeaten run to 36 matches in all competitions.

"We didn't have a great rhythm in the first half, but in the second half we created more chances so I'm very happy," added the Frenchman.

"It was a long flight to Japan and we have very few days to rest and prepare for the final. But we have come here to win this Club World Cup."

Benzema added: "It was a hard game against a tough team. The conditions were difficult too with the long journey we've had, but we played well and won the game -- now for the final."

Benzema struck in first-half stoppage time, finishing clinically with the outside of his right boot after a deft pass from Toni Kroos.

Ronaldo, who collected his fourth Ballon d'Or on Monday, added the gloss in second half stoppage time.

Club America coach Ricardo La Volpe insisted his side had been unfortunate to lose. "I think the luck was against," he said. "Real Madrid were not the better team. I told the players they can be proud of the way they fought," he added. "It was a very tight game which we dominated for periods, but we were not aggressive enough. We just couldn't find the final ball."

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