Ahead of Kashima Antlers' Club World Cup semifinal against Real Madrid the coach of the Japanese side, Go Oiwa, has acknowledged the status and power of the opposition.
sb0betThe two teams previously met in the final of the 2016 edition of the competition, when Los Blancos defeated the Japanese team 4-2 in the extra time."As I have always said Real Madrid are Real Madrid and I don't know if we are closer, but this time we will do our best to try to reach the final," he told the press conference prior the game."
sb0betWith or without Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid are very strong, as there are many other players who can score."We represent Japan and Asia and we will fight as a group. "There are certainly differences with Real Madrid at the individual level and we have to attack and defend as a group to counter that."The 46-year-old also explained what this competition means to his team. "We have won the Asian Champions League and that gives us more responsibility," he added."Two years ago, no one paid attention to us, but now we are more respected by our rivals because we aren't just invited [to the competition].