Defending champions Real Madrid are through to their third consecutive final. This remarkable feat was made possible courtesy of Gareth Bale’s hattrick, which saw the European Champions defeat the Asian champions Kashima Antlers 3-1.
Both sides met in the 2016 final and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hattrick to give the Los Blancos a 4-2 victory.
Kashima Antlers came into this game with the hope of repaying the European champions in their own coin. However it was the Spanish side that took the lead towards the end of the first half. Gareth Bale had a textbook combination with Marcelo before he grabbed the opener.
The Welshman scored a brace in the second half to put the game beyond the Japanese. On the 78th minute, Shoma Doi scored a consolatory goal for the Asian Champions.
Real Madrid will face home side Al-Ain in the final at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Saturday. It will be recalled that Al-Ain got to the final after they shocked Copa Lbertadores champions, River Plate on penalties.
