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Kashima Antlers 1 Real Madrid 3: Bale treble seals Club World Cup final berth

Defending champions Real Madrid cruised into the Club World Cup final with a 3-1 win over Kashima Antlers that was inspired by Gareth Bale.

Gareth Bale fired Real Madrid into a record-equalling fourth Club World Cup final with a stunning hat-trick in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Kashima Antlers in Abu Dhabi.

Madrid are looking to become the first club to win the tournament on four occasions, and Bale's superb treble ensured that dream remains a possibility as the AFC Champions League winners were swept aside.

Having seen an early chance go begging, Bale made no mistake in the 44th minute with a composed finish that flicked the inside of the post on its way in.