TheCable

Real Madrid won the Club World Cup Sunday afternoon by defeating Kashima Antlers 4-2 courtesy of a Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick.

Ronaldo, who was recently named the best among his peers, delivered the trophy to his club at the Yokohama international stadium.

In a match that was fast, frantic and frenetic, a committed Kashima Antlers side gave Real Madrid a scare by forcing the contest into extra time after a 2-2 score line at the end of 90 minutes.

Karin Benzema fed off a Luca Modric half-volley from the edge of the box to give Real Madrid the much-needed lead in the 8th minute.

Gaku Shibasaki equalised for Kashima Antlers in the 43rd minute by reacting quicker than Sergio Ramos and Varane, to drive home a bouncing volley from 8 yards.

Shibasaki put his side in the lead in the 52nd minute while a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the 60th minute dragged the game into extra-time.

In extra time, Real Madrid showed superior class to by being more decisive and clinical.

Benzema and Toni Kroos both provided assists for Ronaldo to score his second and third goals in the 8th and 12th minute of extra time.

Real Madrid has now won two Club World Cup tournaments in three years.