Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score a Club World Cup final hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 4-2 extra-time victory over Kashima Antlers on Sunday. Madrid looked like they could be heading for a shock defeat until Ronaldo drilled home from the penalty spot to make it 2-2, forcing an additional 30 minutes to be played.
The 31-year-old put Zinedine Zidane’s side in front with a left-footed finish after being released by Karim Benzema – whose opener had earlier been overturned by Gaku Shibasaki’s double – in the 98th minute.
Ronaldo completed his hat-trick when he fired into the roof of the net after Toni Kroos’ scuffed attempt fell at his feet, making him the joint-highest scorer in the competition’s history with five goals.
The victory extended Real’s club-record unbeaten run to 37 matches in all competitions, while French coach Zinedine Zidane surpassed Fabio Capello’s record for their best start to a season.
The European champions, yet to be defeated in 26 games this campaign, were forced to dig deep by an Antlers side that finished a distant third over the J-League season before winning the championship final.
Benzema’s close-range opener was cancelled out on the stroke of halftime by Shibasaki, who took advantage of some calamitous defending from Raphael Varane to score with a sharp volley.
The Japan midfielder then sparked wild celebrations among a crowd of 68,000 seven minutes after the break when he smashed home a left-foot shot from a distance.
Kashima’s lead was short-lived, however, as Ronaldo restored parity from the spot after Lucas Vazquez was clattered by Shuto Yamamoto.
Ronaldo, who scooped his fourth Ballon d’Or last week, put Real back in front with a clinical low finish eight minutes into extra time after a deft pass from Benzema.
And the Portuguese superstar completed his hat-trick — the first in a Club World Cup final — six minutes later with another poacher’s strike to break Japanese hearts.
Related posts
Like Bobrisky, Cubana Chief Priest in EFCC Net, to arraign in court today
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, preparatory…
ZENITH BANK ENDS 2023 ON A HIGH WITH REMARKABLE TRIPLE-DIGIT TOP-LINE AND BOTTOM-LINE GROWTH
Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2023, achieving a remarkable triple-digit growth…