By AFP

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Al Ain set up FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against River Plate

Real will travel to the UAE after their La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday

By AFP
Kashima Antler's midfielder Serginho (2nd-L) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second round match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2018 football tournament between Japan's Kashima Antlers and Mexico's C.D. Guadalajara at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Kashima Antler's midfielder Serginho (2nd-L) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second round match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2018 football tournament between Japan's Kashima Antlers and Mexico's C.D. Guadalajara at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

UAE’s Al Ain stunned Tunisian giants Esperance 3-0 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup to set up a last four clash with recent Copa Libertadores champions River Plate.

Al Ain had to fight from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Team Wellington, before winning the match on penalties, before booking their quarter-final ticket.

But the home team avoided making the same mistake against the African champions on Saturday, Mohamed Ahmed opening the scoring two minutes in before Hussein El Shahat doubled their lead on the quarter-hour.

Bandar Mohammed’s strike on the hour mark capped a deserved 3-0 win that will give Argentinian opponents River Plate food for thought ahead of their semi-final clash on Tuesday.

In the other last eight match, Asian champions Kashima Antlers beat Mexican side CD Guadalajara 3-2 on Saturday to set up a semi-final against Real Madrid.

Guadalajara roared into an early lead thanks to Angel Zaldivar’s third-minute goal but Ryota Nagaki equalised in Al-Ain.

Kashima went ahead through Serginho’s 69th minute penalty and Hiroki Abe secured victory, making Leo Silva’s own goal deep in injury time academic.

Kashima’s meeting with Champions League winners Real on Wednesday will be a re-run of the 2016 final, which the Spanish giants won 4-2 after extra-time.

Real will travel to the UAE after their La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

The final and the third place play-off will be held on December 22.

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