Ronaldo treble fires Madrid to Club World Cup glory
Sunday, December 18, 2016
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, including two goals during extra time, as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Japan's Kashima Antlers 4-2 and claim their second FIFA Club World Cup.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to help Real Madrid cap a near-perfect 2016 as they defeated Kashima Antlers 4-2 after extra time to lift the FIFA Club World Cup in Yokohama, Japan.
The topsy-turvy affair was befitting of Madrid's ongoing unbeaten run – now a club-record 37 games – with the Merengues coming from behind to clinch glory after Karim Benzema had registered an early opener.
Two expertly taken goals either side of half-time from Gaku Shibasaki fired Kashima into a surprise lead, but Ronaldo scored his first from the penalty spot on the hour to ensure the game went to extra time.
The recently crowned Ballon d'Or winner then beat the offside trap to put his side ahead in the first half of added time, before finishing from close range to seal victory and ensure Madrid their second Club World Cup triumph.
Madrid (4-3-3): Navas; Carvajal, Ramos (Nacho 108), Varane, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modrić (Kovačić 106), Kroos; Vázquez (Isco 81), Benzema, Ronaldo (Morata 112).
Man of the match: Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portugal forward netted during the semi-finals and was once again the difference for his team on a high-profile stage. Trailing to Kashima, they needed someone to step up and, invariably, Ronaldo is the Merengues' man for the big occasion. The hat-trick hero now sits alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez on five Club World Cup goals – the most scored by players of European sides.
Reaction: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid forward
It was a game in which we suffered a lot. It was hard, but we managed to get through it. It was a tournament we really wanted to win and thankfully we've been able to do it. It's been a dream year; something I didn't expect. To score three goals and help Real Madrid is brilliant. I always want to improve. It has been a week full of joy, winning the Ballon D'Or and then lifting the Club World Cup – the perfect end to a perfect year.
FIFA Club World Cup roll of honour
Barcelona 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
Corinthians 2 (2000, 2012)
Real Madrid 2 (2014, 2016)
AC Milan 1 (2007)
Bayern München 1 (2013)
Internacional 1 (2006)
Internazionale Milano 1 (2010)
Manchester United 1 (2008)
São Paulo 1 (2005)
World club titles in full: European/South American Cup+FIFA Club World Cup
Real Madrid 5 (1960, 1998, 2002+2014, 2016)
AC Milan 4 (1969, 1989, 1990+2007)
Barcelona 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
Bayern München 3 (1976, 2001+2013)
Boca Juniors 3 (1977, 2000, 2003)
Internazionale Milano (1964, 1965+2010)
Nacional 3 (1971, 1989, 1988)
Peñarol 3 (1961, 1966, 1982)
São Paulo 3 (1992, 1993+2005)
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