Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal West stunned the South American champions Flamengo this evening (Tuesday) in Tangier and qualified for the final of the Club World Championship, after beating the Brazilians 2:3 thanks to two penalties by Salem Al Dawsari and another goal by Luciano Vito, who also scored two penalties.
Al Dawsri scored first on a penalty in the opening minutes after Teosino tripped Vito in the area and made it 0:1 early. Pedro equalized for Flamengo with a fine kick from outside the box (20), but the Saudis took the lead again before half-time when Al Dawsari again kicked into the net from the penalty spot, while Gerson was sent off after a second yellow card for stepping on Vito in the box.
Flamengo remained with ten men throughout the second half, and Al Hilal took control of the game and even scored the third, when this time El Dawsari returned the favor to Waito and set up an excellent goal for the Argentine, when he bombed from close range. Pedro only faltered in extra time for the Brazilians, who became the sixth team to win the Copa Libertadores and not qualify for the final.
Al Hilal, the first team from Saudi Arabia to qualify for the final, will meet the winner of the second semi-final – which brings together European champions Real Madrid and Al Ahly in a match to be held in Rabat.