Japan's Kashima Antlers advanced to the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup, and a showdown with Spanish giants Real Madrid, after outlasting Mexican powerhouse Guadalajara 3-2 on Saturday.

Brazilian forward Serginho scored from the penalty spot in the 69th minute to put Antlers up 2-1, before substitute Hiroki Abe added the third 15 minutes later.

The CONCACAF club champions had taken the lead just three minutes into the match when Angel Zaldivar scored with a header from inside the box, assisted with a cross from fellow Mexico international Isaac Brizuela.

But Antlers drew level four minutes into the second half when Ryota Nagaki netted on a rapid counterattack.

In a well-executed move, keeper Kwoun Sun Tae played a quick pass up the middle to Serginho, who immediately picked out Shoma Doi on the left. Spotting Nagaki running to the center of the box, Doi sent a cross along the ground that Nagaki tapped in from directly in front.

The Mexicans had been the more aggressive side in the first half, but Antlers began to exert more control after the break.

Serginho coolly converted the penalty, awarded after Guadalajara midfielder Michael Perez tripped Doi, with a strike to the bottom left corner.

Second-half substitute Abe made the score 3-1 with a swerving strike from just inside the box after playing a one-two pass with Koki Anzai.

Guadalajara narrowed the gap and ensured a tense finish when Kashima midfielder Leo Silva put the ball in his own net during a goalmouth scramble after Kwoun saved a 94th-minute penalty kick by Alan Pulido.