Go Oiwa: Real Madrid's crisis only exists in Spain

Kashima Antlers head coach Go Oiwa was the assistant of the Japanese side when Real Madrid beat them 4-2 in the 2016 Club World Cup final and now Oiwa wants revenge, though he understands that Los Blancos are still a very strong side.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now of Juventus, scored a hat-trick in that final as Madrid had to come back from 2-1 down to ultimately win 4-2.

"I do not think see much difference between this Madrid and that of two years ago [where they met in the final]," Oiwa told MARCA.

"It is clear that they had Cristiano [Ronaldo] but there is talent and young players, players who are stepping up; they are still a very, very strong team.

"Players like [Marco] Asensio, Nacho [Fernandez], Lucas Vazquez are, from my point of view, fantastic, and we have to worry about the strength of our opponent."

The coach believes that the so-called 'crisis' at Madrid exists only in Spain as he is complementary of the 13-time Champions League winners.

"Madrid are dangerous in all positions," he stated.

"But I ask you: What has changed at Madrid?

"The Madrid crisis only exists in Spain, not for us.

"It has only been six months since they won their third [consecutive] Champions League.

"In general, things have not changed - they are a great team."

When Kashima last played Madrid, their midfielder Gaku Shibasaki impressed and subsequently secured a move to Getafe, but two of the Japanese side's key players - the striker Yuma Suzuki and midfielder Kento Misao - are out for Wednesday, though Oiwa remains upbeat.

"I believe in this team and I think we are stronger than we were two years ago," he stated.

"Compared to 2016, this team has matured a little more and they have more confidence in themselves."

Oiwa's side will come up against Santiago Solari's players on Wednesday at 17:30 CET.