A Gareth Bale hat-trick has set up a final between European champions Real Madrid and UAE champions Al Ain FC on Saturday 22 December. The semi-final clash between the superstars of Madrid and Asian League Champions Kashima Antlers of Japan ended 3-1 with Welsh international Gareth Bale scoring all three Real Madrid goals, ending a drought with his first goals for the club in 12 matches. The brace of goals came in just over 10 minutes of playing time with one just before the half time break and the other two in quick succession early into the second half. With Real Madrid comfortably 3-0 up with half an hour to go, Bale was substituted most likely to rest ahead of Saturday’s final at Zayed Sports City.
Defending champions Real Madrid now face local team Al Ain FC, with the chance of winning their fourth FIFA Club World Cup title and their third in successive years.