In a match that took place very early in the morning Sunday in Europe, and VERY early in the morning Sunday in the United States, Real Madrid took down Japanese champions Kashima Antlers 4-2 in the Club World Cup final.
We, personally, did not expect the home side to make a game of it, but they did, drawing 2-2 in regulation and sending the match to extra time. Two Cristiano Ronaldo extra-time goals sealed the victory for Madrid, but Kashima Antlers should be commended for taking Real Madrid's best shot and making a game of it so everybody who watched didn't destroy their sleep patterns for a garbage can.
Last week, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or, scored his 500th Real Madrid goal and won the Club World Cup with a hat trick in the final. Oh, and Real Madrid are three points clear at the top of La Liga with a game in hand. Not bad.
