Gareth Bale fired Real Madrid into a record-equalling fourth Club World Cup final with a stunning hat-trick in Wednesday’s 3-1 victory over Kashima Antlers in Abu Dhabi.
Madrid are looking to become the first club to win the tournament on four occasions, and Bale’s superb treble ensured that dream remains a possibility as the AFC Champions League winners were swept aside.
Having seen an early chance go begging, Bale made no mistake in the 44th minute with a composed finish that flicked the inside of the post on its way in.
He extended Madrid’s lead after a defensive mix-up before lashing home his third before the hour, helping Santiago Solari’s team ease into this weekend’s showpiece.
