Real Madrid arrives in Abu Dhabi seeking 3rd consecutive Club World Cup title

Abu Dhabi, Dec 17 (IANS) The Real Madrid football squad has arrived in Abu Dhabi, where they will fight for their third consecutive FIFA Club World Cup title and the second trophy of the year after their record-extending 13th UEFA Champions League title.Real Madrid will kick off their preparation for the World Cup campaign on Monday, two days ahead of their opening match against Kashima Antlers of Japan in the semifinals, reports Efe news.Kashima Antlers defeated CD Guadalajara 3-2 in their opener to set up a showdown against Madrid, a rematch of the 2016 World Cup final, when Los Blancos defeated the Japanese champions 4-2 in the extra time.Coach Santiago Solari is waiting to see what the situation will be for forwards Gareth Bale of Wales and Karim Benzema of France, given that both have been struggling with ankle issues.
--IANS kk/sed