The Welsh forward was in fine form at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi as the Spanish European champions ended the Japanese side's hopes in the last four.

It means the La Liga side are on course for a record fourth time, and the third success in a row.

They will meet home United Arab Emirates side Al Ain in the final after they surprisingly dumped out South American champions River Plate in their semi-final yesterday.

Madrid will be huge favourites for that game and especially so if Bale continues this sort of form.

He fired his side in front off the right post one minute before half-time, and then put the tie to bed with two goals in three minutes.

His first on 53 minutes saw him score into the empty net after a mix-up between Kashima defender Shuto Yamamoto and keeper Kwoun Sun-tae.

He then lashed home into the top corner to complete his treble, before Shoma Doi registered a consolation.

Bale also scored twice when Real won the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, including an extraordinary overhead kick.

The final will be played in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (December 22).

Argentinian side River Plate will meet Kashima for third-place.

The tournament includes the six continental club champions from around the world, as well as the league champions from the host nation.