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 re…