Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid greeted by hundreds of fans in Japan as they arrive for Club World Cup

Los Blancos arrived in Tokyo in the early hours of Monday morning ahead of their Club World Cup campaign



A 5.15am start didn’t deter Real Madrid fans in Japan as they turned out in force to welcome the Spanish giants on Monday morning.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co looked fresh despite the flight of more than 13 hours from Madrid to Tokyo’s Haneda following their 3-2 win over Deportivo la Caruna.

Hundreds of fans showed how popular Los Blancos is in the country where they are looking to win their first Club World Cup since 2012.

Zinedine Zidane’s side is making Yokohama’s Royal Park Hotel their home while they prepare for their semi-final against Club America on Thursday.

The Mexican’s beat Jeonbuk Hyundai 2-1 on Sunday to set up the clash.





Ronaldo will miss Monday night's Ballon d'Or ceremony, where he's expected to win

While the tournament between the top team in each of FIFA’s six confederations is derided in some circles, Real is taking it seriously insisted Toni Kroos last week.

"We go with the aim of being crowned the best team in the world," he said.

Ronaldo’s arrival in a squad missing only Gareth Bale, who is recovering from ankle surgery, means he will miss Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.