Barca in CWC final

Three cheers for Suarez

Yokohama: Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick, including an exquisite second goal, as Barcelona strolled into the Club World Cup final with a 3-0 win over Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday. Guangzhou gave the European champions a couple of scares in the first half but the Chinese side were utterly outclassed by the end of a match that often resembled an attack-versus-defence training session.

Zou Zheng also suffered a horrific injury in the first half, appearing to break his leg as he fell awkwardly to the clear distress of his team mates. Even without Lionel Messi, who was taken ill just hours before the game, and the injured Neymar, Barca enjoyed more than 70 percent of possession as they claimed a place in the final against South American champions River Plate.

It was Guangzhou's first defeat under Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari who took over in June. Barca needed 39 minutes to break down the defence, Suarez pouncing to tuck in the rebound after goalkeeper Li Shaui failed to hold Ivan Rakitic's long-range drive. The Catalans had a lucky escape just before that when Brazilian Elkesen just failed to make contact with Zheng Zhi's cross.

Javier Mascherano also twice made last-ditch tackles to prevent Guangzhou players having a clear run at goal, firstly on Ricardo Goulart and then Zheng Zhi, while Claudio Bravo made his only save just before halftime to tip away Elkesen's header. The game was settled as a contest after 49 minutes when Andres Iniesta sent a beautifully-weighted pass into the area and Suarez caught it on his chest before volleying past Li in one movement.

The Uruguayan completed his hat-trick by converting a penalty in the 67th minute. "We knew we were without the two most important players for the team, but all we could do was stay focused and try to reach the final,” said Suarez. “I hope (Messi) recovers as quickly as possible.” “We knew there was a big chance we would be playing against River,” added the former Liverpool forward. “They won the Copa Libertadores, they are one of the best teams in the Americas and we will have to play well to lift the cup.”

Suarez, Messi and Neymar have now plundered an astonishing 130 goals for Barca in 2015 -- more than Spanish rivals Real Madrid. Evergrande manager Luiz Felipe Scolari praised his players for their efforts after winning a fifth successive Chinese championship and their second Asian title in three years.