FIFA
Gareth Bale scores hat-trick as Madrid beat Kashima Antlers
Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Kashima Antlers to set up a Club World Cup final against Al Ain, of the United Arab Emirates, on Saturday.
Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Kashima Antlers to set up a Club World Cup final against Al Ain, of the United Arab Emirates, on Saturday.
Wales forward Bale scored the semi-final’s opening goal in Abu Dhabi via the post after a one-two with Marcelo.
He tapped his second into an empty net after a defensive error and two minutes later blasted a third from a tight angle from another Marcelo pass.
Shoma Doi pulled one back for the Asian champions.
Bale, who has now scored six goals in five Club World Cup games, had been a doubt with an ankle injury, and was substituted by boss Santiago Solari just before the hour mark.
Real Madrid are aiming to win the tournament for a third year in a row.
They face Abu Dhabi side Al Ain at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Saturday (16:30 GMT).
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Al Ain, who qualified as champions of the host country, shocked Copa Libertadores winners River Plate by winning on penalties in their semi-final.
