(Football news) Manchester City advances to the final four of the Club World Cup, Urawa had to defeat Leon of Mexico to set up a glamorous matchup with the European champions.
Even before they defeated Al-Hilal in their two-leg final to win their third AFC Champions League title, Urawa Red Diamonds had already guaranteed their spot in the 2023 Club World Cup by making it to the championship game. The runners-up would have been invited instead of Saudi Pro League winners Al-Ittihad.
Naturally, the Red Devils could not sit back after their continental success, and they now face tournament newcomers and CONCACAF Champions League champions Leon in the second round of the Club World Cup, which will take place in front of a meager 2,500 spectators in Jeddah.
The absence of a celebratory atmosphere did not stop Maciej Skorza’s team from winning, though, as Alex Schalk, formerly of Ross County of the Scottish Premiership, scored the game’s winning goal off the bench in the 78th minute. The Dutch striker even missed a few opportunities to extend his team’s lead in the final minutes.
The Japanese crop made it to their second Club World Cup semi-final out of three appearances, having also been present at the 2007 and 2017 tournaments and finishing third in the former one. Urawa’s task was made easier when Leon captain William Tesillo took the walk of shame for a pair of bookable offences.
The Red Devils’ defence of their AFC Champions League title ended in the group stage earlier this month, and their victory over Leon was just their third win in ten games across all tournaments. Skorza’s team would have welcomed a break from domestic and continental duties for a period in Saudi Arabia.
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