Bale hat-trick leads Real Madrid into FIFA Club World Cup final

Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Japan’s Kashima Antlers 3-1 on Wednesday to book a spot in Saturday’s FIFA Club World Cup final match.

European champions Real Madrid will now face host side Al Ain FC in the final match in Abu Dhabi as they bid to win the title for the third year in a row.

Kashima almost made a dream start inside two minutes with a close-range shot from Serginho that was saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Bale opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a left-foot strike into the bottom corner of the net after playing a one-two with Marcelo.

He struck his second in the 53rd minute, taking advantage of a defensive mix-up that left the Kashima goal wide open.

The Wales forward made it 3-0 to the Spanish side two minutes later with a left-foot shot into the top corner.

Bale has now scored six goals in the tournament, trailing only his former team mate Cristiano Ronaldo who has netted seven.

“He (Bale) played a superb match,” Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari told reporters. “He has shown what he is, and what he can do.”

Bale was substituted in the 60th minute for Asensio, only for his replacement to be forced off 14 minutes later due to injury.

“I hope it is not a serious problem with him because it is very that important all the players are fit,” Solari said. “It is a pity that he had to leave the pitch today.”

Asian champions Kashima grabbed a consolation goal in the 78th minute through Shoma Doi.

Kashima, third in the J-League, will meet South American champions River Plate in the third-place playoff earlier on Saturday.