Super sub Bale strikes late winner

Lukaku silences critics with stunning blow

Gareth Bale came off the bench to score Real Madrid’s winning goal with his first touch in their Fifa Club World Cup 2-1 semi-final win against Al Jazira. Bale, 28, scored moments after coming on for only his second appearance since suffering a calf injury in September. AlJazira had taken a first-half lead through Brazilian forward Romarinho.

Mbark Boussoufa then had a strike ruled out for offside by the virtual assistant referee before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised for Madrid.

The Portuguese is now the all-time top scorer in Fifa Club World Cups with six - taking him past Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Cesar Delgado’s five. They play Brazilian side Gremio in Saturday’s final. Meanwhile, a blistering goal has eliminated a luckless Auckland City FC from the FIFA Club World Cup tournament as they went down 1-0 to host outfit Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates. The Oceania champions dominated much of the opening match in Al Ain but couldn’t deny a sizzling strike from Brazilian Romarinho just before halftime which decided the outcome.

-BBC

Manchester United got back to winning ways at Old Trafford after the derby tussle with a workmanlike 1-0 victory over Bournemouth.

Romelu Lukaku (25) silenced his critics with the winning strike midway through the first-half, his first goal in five Premier League games although he refused to celebrate.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford went close in the second period but it was Bournemouth who created more chances, registering seven shots on target but they found David de Gea once again in defiant mood.

Lukaku, who faced criticism for his part in United’s damaging loss to rivals Manchester City at the weekend, showed great determination to head his team in front.