Hat-trick hero Cristiano Ronaldo lifts his third trophy in a week after guiding Real Madrid to 4-2 Club World Cup win
Footballer of the year won the Ballon d'Or on Monday and capped off an incredible week and year against Kashima Antlers
REAL MADRID were given an almighty scare by Kashima in the Club World Cup as 'Japanese Iniesta' Gaku Shibasaki netted a brace to push Spanish giants all the way - before Cristiano Ronaldo turned on the style.
The midfielder stunned Madrid with a quickfire double either side of the break to cancel out Karim Benzema's early strike - but gave away a penalty which Ronaldo duly dispatched.
That forced extra time where the Japanese side tired and the Portuguese star made them pay, netting in the first period before beating two men and thrashing home the fourth soon after.
A breathless Ronaldo, who picked up his third trophy in a week, said: "Bloody hell, what a game!
"We had to suffer, but that's what finals are all about.
"People always expect more of Cristiano. It has been an unforgettable year, winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and the Euros with Portugal.
"And to score three more goals and to have such a perfect end to this dream year, it's incredible."
Madrid needed just nine minutes to get into their stride, Benzema pouncing on a rebound to slot the heavy favourites into the lead.
But the industrious Kashima stuck to their task and hit Real on the break often - and got their reward right on half time.
Shibasaki was in the right place at the right time to hook the Japanese champions level, taking advantage of some sloppy marking.
If Zidane's men weren't stunned by that, they were by what came after the break, that man Shibasaki again was on hand to deliver the hammer-blow.
He feinted one way then the other, taking two defenders out the game, before thrashing in from 25 yards.
But - despite a wretched first hour - Ballon D'Or winner Ronaldo finally came alive when Shibasaki was involved again, but this was guilty of giving away a penalty.
The Portuguese superstar thrashed in from the spot and took the final by the scruff of it's neck.
Kashima made it to extra time but were powerless to stop Ronaldo as he turned on the style as only he can.
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He beat the keeper with ease after being played in by Benzema, and just ten minutes later made the win complete with another thumping finish from close range.
It was a brave effort from Kashima who gave as good as they'd got - but in the end class told and Madrid lift yet another trophy.