Gareth Bale hat-trick sends Real Madrid into the Club World Cup final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick in 11 minutes to put Real Madrid in control in their Club World Cup semi-final clash against Kashima Antlers in Abu Dhabi.
The Wales forward opened the scoring just before the break, side-footing home, and then added two more in quick succession early in the second half to put the Spanish giants 3-0 up.
He scored his second after 53 minutes and completed his treble two minutes later with another neat finish to become the third player in Club World Cup history to score a hat-trick.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez also managed the feat.
PA
PREVIEW
Real Madrid vs Kashima Antlers kicks off at 4:30pm on Wednesday 19 December.
Where can I watch it?
The match will not be shown live in the UK, but you can follow the action with The Independent’s live blog.
Which teams are involved?
River Plate, Argentina (Conmebol)
Real Madrid, Spain (Uefa)
Kashima Antlers, Japan (AFC)
Esperance de Tunis, Tunisia (CAF)
Guadalajara, Mexico (Concacaf)
Team Wellington, New Zealand (OFC)
Al Ain, UAE (AFC)
85 minutes
So close to a birthday goal for Karim Benzema!
Isco threads an incisive pass betwixt a number of red-shirted Kashima players, and Benzene's first touch cleverly takes him away from his marker.
Benzema looks set to bury the chance but his left-footed drive across goal is the wrong side of the post.
88 minutes
We've reached the stage of the game where Spanish centre-halves foray forward in search of a goal. Gerard Pique does it with regularity for Barcelona and Sergio Ramos is doing it here, but Kashima are wise to his presence and snuff out the attack.
90 minutes
Four added minutes are signalled by the fourth official.
Ay up - there's a pitch invader. Idiot. Marcelo is the target and gets a hug before security peel the man off the Brazilian.
AND THAT'S FULL TIME IN ABU DHABI - A HAT-TRICK FROM GARETH BALE SECURING A 3-1 SEMI-FINAL VICTORY FOR REAL MADRID, WHO WILL PLAY IN FOR A THIRD CONSECUTIVE CLUB WORLD CUP AGAINST AL-AIN ON SATURDAY.
A professional showing from Real Madrid, Shoma Doi's late consolation the only blemish on an otherwise simple victory.
Gareth Bale will get the plaudits as the Welshman yet again performs strongly for Real in a big game. Three well-taken goals for Bale, two assisted by Marcelo, who also stood out for the Spanish side.
Kashima Antlers acquitted themselves admirably, battling hard, but ultimately their lack of quality showed, though Doi's goal gave their fans something to cheer as the game came to an inevitable close.
River Plate await in the third/fourth play-off, also on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
So Real Madrid vs Al-Ain is your 2018 FIFA Club World Cup Final. Real Madrid striving for three on the bounce, while Al-Ain will be looking for a home win in front of what is sure to be a passionate crowd. Can the Emirati side shock Real?
That's all from us here today.I've been Harry Latham-Coyle for The Independent - thank you for joining me.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments