REAL MADRID WINS KASHIMA ANTLERS 1 - 3 | FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2018 SEMIS

REAL MADRID CF defeated KASHIMA ANTLERS 1 - 3 in the semi-finals of the FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP being held in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The Spanish Football Club will meet locals AL AIN next Saturday in the Final.

Real Madrid started with the above starting 11, again with Isco & Asensio on the bench.

The Japanese Club started well early creating very dangerous goal opportunities while Real Madrid looked out of place & somewhat lost on the field. Slowly & patiently Real Madrid began finding their Football with Benzema the main focus upfront playing well & connecting with team-mates. Gareth Bale went from less to more exploiting the left flank & putting the Kashima defender on the back foot on many occasions. 

It was not until the start of the 2º half that Real Madrid was able to breakaway & secure the result. Overall Real Madrid did not play great Football, in fact, they look nothing like the team of the past season. However, some loose Khasima defending & terrible mistakes allowed GARETH BALE to score a HAT-TRICK in the space of 10 minutes & it was enough. The Japanese team received a harsh blow to their spirits, but to their credit & image they managed towards the end to regain some of their Football & score a well earned consolation goal in the 78th by by SHOMA DOI.

The bad news for Real Madrid was the injury to Asensio just after 5 mins of coming on for Bale, while the good news was the return of Casemiro after his period of injury recovery. The names to highlight for Real Madrid was Benzema, Marcelo, Kroos,  Llorente ...apart from Bale

Goals:
0 - 1 (44') Gareth Bale
0 - 2 (53') Gareth Bale
0 - 3 (55') Gareth Bale

1 - 3 (78') Shoma Doi