Real Madrid beat Al Jazira 2-1 in Club World Cup semifinal

Real Madrid overcame a scare to reach the Club World Cup final with a 2-1 victory over Al Jazira of Abu Dhabi at

Zayed Sports City Stadium on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Real Madrid. /VCG Photo

Real Madrid has won the competition in two of the past three seasons, and a third triumph would see them draw level with fierce rivals Barcelona.

UAE champions Al Jazira took a surprise semifinal lead four minutes before halftime. Nacho's misguided header was picked up by Mbark Boussoufa, who played in Romarinho and the Brazilian confidently finished past Keylor Navas.

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema twice struck the woodwork. /VCG Photo

Real Madrid swiftly equalized through star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who latched on to Luka Modric's through ball and confidently finished past substitute goalkeeper Khaled Al Senani in the 53rd minute.

Benzema twice struck the woodwork as Real pressed forward in search of the winner with potential extra time looming.

Substitute Gareth Bale, who came on for Benzema, struck the winner nine minutes from the end to break Al Jazira's hearts.

Zinedine Zidane's side will face Copa Libertadores champions Gremio in Saturday's final.

(CGTN)