Kashima managed to keep the European champions at bay for 44 minutes but a devastating spell either side of half-time consigned them to a 3-1 defeat and a third-place playoff against River Plate. 

When Kashima and Real last did battle in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup final it was a Cristiano Ronaldo treble that proved the difference but this time it was Los Blancos’ Welsh wizard showing his ruthless streak in front of goal.

A 5-4 penalty shootout victory over South American champions River Plate saw Al Ain become the first Emirati side to reach the final of the tournament.

It was the second time in three matches that Al Ain were taken to penalties, with Mamic’s side showing admirable endurance given a brutal recent fixture pile-up.

And the Croatian admitted he could barely believe how deep his players were able to dig for the victory.

Eisa made a string of fantastic saves during normal and extra-time before keeping out Enzo Perez‘s penalty in the shootout to propel The Boss towards a final meeting with either Real Madrid or Kashima Antlers. It is the first time an Emirati side has ever reached the FIFA Club World Cup final. 

A brace from Santos Borre and a goal each for Marcus Berg and Caio left the match evenly poised at 2-2 after 120 minutes. And just as they had done in the tournament’s opening match against Team Wellington, Al Ain triumphed on spot-kicks.

Early strikes from Mohamed Ahmad and Hussein El Shahat set reigning UAE Pro League champions on their way and a second-half goal from Bandar Al Ahbabi secured the win. Al Ain will now take on Copa Libertadores winners River Plate in the semi-final back at their Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.

Both teams unfurled enormous banners ahead of the game and there was frenzied atmosphere throughout the all-Arab clash.