Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal stunned 10-man Flamengo to reach the Club World Cup final with a 3-2 win over the South American champions on Tuesday, thanks to two penalties from Salem Al Dawsari and a close-range strike from Luciano Vitto. .
Al Dawsari opened the scoring from the spot after three minutes and Pedro equalized for the Brazilians, their hopes dashed when Gerson conceded a penalty and was sent off in stoppage time of the first half.
This saw Al Davasari get his second and Vietto add a third after the break to ensure that Pedro’s final goal for Flamengo was just a consolation.
Al Hilal, the first Saudi side to reach the final of the Club World Cup, will take on Real Madrid’s semi-final winners against Al Ahly on Wednesday in Rabat.
On a windy and chilly night at a half-empty Ibn Battuta stadium, Flamengo’s Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira pulled a surprise, leaving former Atletico Madrid fullback Filipe Luis on the bench.
He also left out Guillermo Varela of Uruguay, opting for a younger and more attack-oriented fullback pair.
It was Varela’s substitute, right back Mateusinho, who changed the course of the game in the third minute when he went over hard in a challenge on Vito inside the box and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.