Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has warned his team they cannot overlook Club America during Thursday’s semi-final clash in the Club World Cup.
The Spanish giants will take on the Mexican giants with a place in the final up for grabs, with the winner then facing either Colombia’s Atletico National or Japan’s Kashima Antlers.
Madrid go into the clash in fine form after equalling a club-record 35-game unbeaten run, but Zidane does have some selection issues ahead of kick-off.
Centre-back Sergio Ramos is set to be rested for the semi-final after suffering from fatigue, while forward Gareth Bale is still missing due to an ankle injury.
Four-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start and Zidane has revealed the forward is really determined to show just why he picked up the prize ahead of Lionel Messi on Monday.
Despite being the heavy favourites, the former Juventus midfielder has urged his team to get the job and not take Club America for granted.
He told reporters in Yokohama: “Cristiano is hugely motivated for this game – as always. He would be motivated even if it were a friendly, that’s just the sort of player he is.
“For many of their players maybe it will be their only chance to play against Real Madrid and they will be desperate to win.
I have told the players we can’t just turn up and expect to win, we have to earn it.”
Zidane added: “Club America have many skilful and intelligent players and I’m sure they will give us plenty of headaches. We expect a very difficult match but it’s just as important for us.”
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