Club America vs Real Madrid: Club World Cup Semifinal Match Preview
Published December 15, 2016 by Sol FH
Champions League holders Real Madrid will face CONCACAF champions Club America this morning at 10:30 GMT.
What a perfect day to watch some early morning soccer, especially when Real Madrid is involved. Los Blancos have made it into the semifinal of the Club World Cup and will face Mexican side Club America at International Stadium in Yokohama, Japanץ Coach Zinedine Zidane has said that his side will be taking today's match very seriously and that they know that Club America is a good team. Despite his non-complacency, Real are huge favorites to advance to the final against Japan's tournament hosts Kashima Antlers who beat Atletico Nacional last night. The final will be played on December 18.
For the last nine out of ten Club World Cup tournaments, European clubs have hoisted the trophy. The tournament is a short eight matches over two weeks and includes the winners of the AFC Champions League (Asia), CAF Champions League (Africa), CONCACAF Champions League (North America), Copa Libertadores (South America), OFC Champions League (Oceania) and UEFA Champions League (Europe). Barcelona is the reigning champion for the last two years straight, but Real are in perfect position to win this year.
"Every game you must go out and fight and battle to win it. For sure we will have problems tomorrow, but they will too, for sure," said Zidane about today's match. Aside from Sergio Ramos who is out with a knock, Real will have a full squad and Zidane will play his best team.
Ballon d'Or
Christiano Ronaldo was recognized for the fourth time as winner of the Ballon d'Or yesterday but was unable to accept the trophy in person, as the team was enroute to Japan for today's match. Winning the award for the fourth time is unprecedented and puts Christiano in a league of his own with a record that may not be broken for several years to come. He beat out Messi, as the two players have either won or received second place for the last few years. The craziest thing is that he could still win it again. He has scored 48 goals in 52 games for Real and Portugal respectively, and 173 journalists from all over the world voted him in.
Match Betting
bet365 Sports is offering dozens of pre-match betting markets ahead of the match and bettors will find odds in favor of Real at 1.14, while Club America rolls in at 15.00 and a draw at 8.00. Live in-play markets will also be available throughout the match.
