Gareth Bale’s 11-minute hat-trick fires Real Madrid into Club World Cup final

• Kashima Antlers 1-3 Real Madrid
• European champions will face Al-Ain of UAE in Saturday’s final

Gareth Bale scored a sensational 11-minute hat-trick as Real Madrid began their quest for a third successive Club World Cup by beating Kashima Antlers 3-1.

The Real forward had been doubtful for the semi-final clash in Abu Dhabi due to an ankle sprain, but proved his fitness in superb style. He calmly slotted home the opener in the closing stages of the first half, before his quick-fire double early in the second period put the game beyond the Japanese opponents. Shoma Doi reduced the deficit 12 minutes from time but Real cruised through to Saturday’s final, where they will face Al-Ain after the UAE side’s shock penalty shootout victory over the Copa Libertadores champions River Plate on Tuesday.

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