Real Madrid held off a determined Kashima Antlers side through a late Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick to win 4-2 in extra-time to win the FIFA Club World Cup. This is Los Blancos’ second win in the competition.
Antlers led through Gaku Shibasaki’s brace but Ronaldo’s late show halted the Japanese side’s progress.
Karim Benzema pounced on a rebound from a Luca Modric shot to give the European champions the lead in just the eighth minute. Madrid were dominating possession and there were ominous signs for the Antlers for large spells in the first half.
Against the run of play, the Japanese outfift leveled scores with just two minutes left on the clock. Shibasaki took a great first touch and smashed a volley home.
The unthinkable happened for Zinedine Zidane’s side seven minutes into the second half. Sergio Ramos’s poor clearance was latched onto by Shibasaki before finishing with aplomb.
At the hour mark, Lucas Vazquez was clumsily challenged in the box and a penalty was awarded to Madrdid. Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot.
The match went into extra time and in the space of five minutes, the Antlers hearts were broken by Ronaldo’s quick feet and opportunism in front of goal. Between the two goals, Shibasaki also hit the bar.
There was no coming back from there from there for Antlers.
Brief scores:
Real Madrid 4 (Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo x 3) beat Kashima Antlers 2 (Gaku Shibasaki)