A Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick crowned Real Madrid as Club World Cup champions and ensured his side avoided an almighty upset to Kashima Antlers.
The European champions were strong favourites to win the tournament for the second time in three years, but found themselves trailing 2-1 to the Japanese side in the second half following an astonishing double from Gaku Shibasaki.
Ronaldo equalised from the spot just minutes later, but Real Madrid were taken to extra-time by a Kashima Antlers outfit doing just as much pressing as Zinedine Zidane’s Galacticos.
However, Ronaldo scored twice more to secure the win for Real Madrid and consign Kashima Antlers to a defeat they barely deserved. The Japanese team provided the storyline of this year’s Club World Cup, even if they finished a beaten side.
Latest Stories
-
Pregnant woman killed, 2 others injured by unknown gunmen at Kukpalgu in N/R
7 hours -
Saminu blazes to a wind assisted 9.87 seconds 100m victory
7 hours -
Four killed in gang fight at Wiamoase in A/R
7 hours -
Nhyira FM feeds over 500 Kumasi residents at 2025 fufu party
8 hours -
2025 Easter Football Gala to unite communities in Offinso North set for April 21
8 hours -
Valencia stun Real Madrid for first victory at Bernabeu since 2008
8 hours -
Luis Enrique eyes ‘unbeaten season’ as PSG clinch Ligue 1 title
8 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Basake Holy Stars aiming to break duck against Berekum Chelsea
8 hours -
SIC MD calls for stronger collaboration with brokers to boost Ghana’s insurance industry
9 hours -
Westside school visits Safari Valley Eco-park as part of the Joy FM eco champions project
9 hours -
Evelyn Badu goal gives Bjorkegren first Black Queens win as Ghana beat Senegal
10 hours -
Iranian president sacks deputy for ‘lavish’ Antarctic cruise
11 hours -
Tone down on ‘flash and burn’ politics – Dr. Adutwum urges
11 hours -
“There are issues everywhere” – TDC Boss orders EOCO probe into $1m IT contract, others
12 hours -
Let’s be vigilant, increase surveillance for meningitis – GHS Director General
12 hours