Starting at 5 PM local time, Antlers held their pre-match press conference. This time, Manager Oiwa and player Doi attended and expressed their aspirations in front of a large number of reporters.
Manager Go Oiwa
"As I said in the previous press conference, Real is Real, and I believe they are still a strong team, just like two years ago. Two years ago, we were very disappointed. I don't know if we've gotten closer (to winning), but this time we want to do our best and fight to advance to the final. I want to focus only on that. (Two years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the final, how do you see Real Madrid's loss without him?) As I've said many times, Real is very strong whether he is there or not. They have many players who can score, and there are players we must be careful of. I'm only thinking about playing defense to prevent their forwards from scoring. I want to prepare thoroughly so that we can play tomorrow's game without conceding any goals. (Many soccer fans around the world are watching, what kind of soccer do you want to show as a Japanese club?) We are fighting as representatives of Japan, but we are also representatives of Asia. I want to approach the game with that in mind. The good thing about Japanese soccer is that we fight as a group and an organization, both offensively and defensively. We might feel a difference in individual skill levels, but we want to show systematic coordination with multiple players against one opponent and fight hard tomorrow. (Differences from two years ago) The sense of responsibility of participating in this tournament after conquering Asia, and in 2016, it was our first appearance, and I think there was an advantage of being able to play as an unheralded team. This time, we have been thoroughly analyzed and played against CD Guadalajara in the first match. I want to approach the game with a clear understanding of our responsibilities and position."
Shoma Doi
"Even though our opponent is Real Madrid, we won't change our style of play. We've been fighting with aggressiveness, organization, and unity for a year, so I want to face Real Madrid as the culmination of that. If we can put on a performance that surprises the world, I think it will be a special day. Last time, we participated with the pride and confidence of being J.League champions, but this time, we came to the UAE with the confidence and pride of being Asian champions. I don't know what has changed, but I certainly have that confidence. I want to fight for the injured players and those who are not in the squad. I don't know how the game will unfold, but we need to control the game according to the situation at hand. It was the same in the previous tournament, and the first half of our first match was also a very tough battle, but we were able to adjust at halftime. You never know what will happen in 90 minutes until the end of the game, so I want to approach the game with variations, without giving up in any situation."
After the pre-match press conference, the team held an official practice. It started at 5:45 PM, and only the first 15 minutes were open to the media. The players warmed up with stretches, then went through drills such as ball control and passing practice.
Even before the big match, the players showed no signs of apprehension. Smiles were seen during warm-ups, as they seemed to be contemplating playing at the largest stadium in the UAE. The pitch this time is a hybrid of natural and artificial turf, and the goalkeepers, in particular, meticulously checked its condition.
After Antlers finished their official practice, Real Madrid held their pre-match press conference. Marcelo and Manager Santiago Solari each attended the conference, which started about 15 minutes later than scheduled.
Marcelo
"This is a short tournament, and we are entering from the semifinals. With God's help, I believe we can reach the final and win the title. Winning the title is our motivation."
Manager Santiago Solari
"First of all, I want to thank Abu Dhabi. They have welcomed us warmly. It's a wonderful tournament, and I like it very much. This tournament brings together the champions of all continents, so it attracts a lot of attention. I want to thank the people of Abu Dhabi for their hospitality. We attach great importance to this tournament. To get here, we have to win the Champions League. It's not normal to achieve that again. (About Antlers) I think they are a more experienced team than two years ago. Two years ago, they participated as guests (host country slot), but this time they are participating as continental champions. The players are mostly the same. They have three or four high-quality foreign players. They are a very quick team and play direct football. They are a challenging opponent, and I think it will be a very beautiful game."
After their practice session, the players left the stadium through the mixed zone. At the team hotel, player Nishi, who was selected for the J.League Best Eleven, was presented with a celebratory cake. The dining hall was filled with applause.
Tomorrow is the Club World Cup semifinal. The match against European champions Real Madrid will kick off at 8:30 PM local time, which is 1:30 AM JST.