YOKOHAMA: Real Madrid finished the competitive year on top of the world after defeating Japanese champions Kashima Antlers to win the international club crown for the fifth time in their history.

But Madrid, winners of the original world club title in 1960, were pushed every minute of the way before finally securing a 4-2 win in extra-time courtesy of a hat-trick from the inevitable Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo: jumping for joy in Japan

Madrid took an early lead through Karim Benzema and, after Kashima hit back twice to take a surprise lead either side of half-time, the Portuguese superstar converted a penalty equaliser. He then struck twice more in a decisive, destructive six-minute spell in extra-time.

They enjoyed a little luck along the way. In the last minute of normal time skipper Sergio Ramos was fortunate to escape a second yellow card – and hence a red from Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe – for a ‘professional’ foul to halt a dangerous Kashima counter-attack.

Record run

Zinedine Zidane, Madrid’s coach, could thus celebrate a 37th game unbeaten and a second major trophy on top of the Champions League triumph over neighbours Atletico in Milan last May.

Madrid seized a ninth-minute command after Luka Modric’s half-volley was only parried by keeper Hitoshi Sogahata and the lurking Benzema pounced to score his second goal of the tournament.

Kashima, encouraged by their lively supporters, were undaunted. Shoma Doi was denied an equaliser by a sharp save from goalkeeper Keylor Navas. However Kashima’s pursuit of a goal left them open to Madrid’s counter-attacks and Sogahata did well to deny both Benzema and Modric.

Kashima snatched an equaliser just before half-time when Doi’s penetrative cross handed Gaku Shibasaki the chance to outwit a defender and shoot home.

The midfielder struck again, seven minutes into the second half, but Ronaldo soon levelled from the penalty spot mark after Shuto Yamamoto brought down Lucas Vazquez. Sogahata made another fine save from Ronaldo while Navas tipped a drive from substitute Fabricio over the bar at the other end.

In extra time, however, Madrid’s experience when Ronaldo converted assists from Benzema and Toni Kroos.

Earlier Atletico Nacional, the South American champions from Colombia, defeated Mexico’s America FC on penalties after a a 2-2 draw in the third-place play-off.

Earlier Atletico Nacional, the South American champions from Colombia, defeated Mexico’s America FC on penalties after a a 2-2 draw in the third-place play-off.

Celebration time again for Real Madrid

Match stats:

Real Madrid 4 (Benzema 9, Ronaldo 60pen, 98, 104)

Kashima Antlers 2 (Shibasaki 44, 52)

After extra time. HT: 2:2. 90min: 2-2. Att: 68,742. Ref: Sikazwe (Zam)

Real Madrid: Navas – Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (Nacho 106), Varane, Marcelo – Lucas Vazquez (Isco 81), Casemiro, Kroos, Modric (Kovacic 106) – Benzema, Ronaldo (Morata 112). Coach: Zidane.

Kashima: Sogahata – Shoki, Nagaki (Akasaki 114), Shoma (Yuma 88), Shibasaki, Shuto, Daigo, Ueda, Endo (Ito 102), Mu, Ogasawara (Fabricio 67). Coach: Ishi.

Awards:

Golden Ball: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Silver Ball: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Bronze Ball: Gaku Shibasaki (Kashima Antlers)

Fair Play Award: Kashima Antlers

Golden boot top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) .

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