Morata becomes first ever fourth substitute

BeSoccer 7 years ago 2.5k
Morata was the first player to be introduced as a fourth substitute in competitive football. Goal

A change to the rules allowed the striker to enter the pitch against Kashima Antlers after Isco, Nacho and Mateo Kovacic, as Zinedine Zidane preserved tired legs.

Cristiano Ronaldo may have stolen headlines in Real Madrid's 4-2 Club World Cup final win over Kashima Antlers, but Alvaro Morata joined his team-mate in making history.

The Spain striker came on for the Portuguese hat-trick hero in extra time - in the process becoming the first fourth substitute in the history of competitive men's football.

Morata's entrance was possible after the fielding of an additional substitute in the event of extra time was sanctioned.

The new rule helped Zinedine Zidane preserve tired legs as the newly-crowned world champions keep one eye on their ongoing La Liga title charge.

Ronaldo also made history, becoming the first player to score a Club World Cup final hat-trick in the victory.

Mentioned in the news story

FIFA Club World Cup
Real Madrid
Á. Morata