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Real Madrid 2-1 Al Jazira: Bale saves Madrid from ridicule

The host team, Al Jazira, went 1-0 up after two disallowed Madrid goals

Madrid played one of their worst games of the season

El Madrid solo pudo ganar por la mínima al modesto Al Jazira / | EFE

Gareth Bale came off the bench to score on his return from injury to save Real Madrid's blushes in the Club World Cup semi-final win over Al Jazira.

The UAE side went ahead through Romarinho in the first half as Madrid had two goals correctly disallowed, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale netted after the break.

Goalkeeper Ali Khaseif became a local hero with a string of sensational saves to keep Madrid at bay, while a Ronaldo foul in the build-up caused Benzema's goal to be ruled out, and then the French striker was offside and interfering with play (as decided by video referee) which meant Casmiro's goal was stricken from the records as well.

After Romarinho struck on the break, Madrid levelled through Ronaldo after a fine Modric pass, with the Croatian also setting up Bale's winner. Benzema hit the post twice as he showed some wasteful finishing in the second period.

 

Madrid now play Gremio in Saturday's final.