Gareth Bale hat-trick sends Real Madrid into the Club World Cup final
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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)
The biggest story in football right now is, of course, the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
This could have implications for Real Madrid - the Portuguese manager still has a number of admirers at the club, most pertinently president Florentino Perez, who feels Mourinho could be the man to solve all the problems with the club.
His sudden availability will certainly intrigue Perez, as The Independent's Miguel Delaney first reported...
This is the first game of the competition to be held at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, which will also host the final and third place decider on Saturday.
It also hosted last year's final, as well as those in 2009 and 2010.
Just over ten minutes until kick off in Abu Dhabi.
The travelling Japanese fans are in good voice. Can their side cause a shock?
The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" accompanies the players and match officials on to the pitch.
A healthy crowd with fans of both sides in the UAE.
Kick off is imminent.
Wilton Sampaio of Brazil is the referee for today's game, and he will have the support of VAR if required during the match.
The second semi final of the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup has begun.
1 minute
Real are in their famous white kit, with Kashima in their traditional red.
2 minutes
Bright start from Kashima.
Serginho rifles a left-footed drive across goal and the slightest of touches from Thibaut Courtois is all that stops it from finding the inside of the post and the back of the net.
Corner.
3 minutes
That isn't far away either!
It is a lovely inswinging cross that centre half Gen Shoji is closest too, his flick-on just lacking in the requisite power to turn the ball on target.
The ball hops out of play for a goal kick, but a nervy start from Real Madrid.
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