Club World Cup: Monterrey edge Al-Sadd to set up semifinal vs. Liverpool

Updated: May 17, 2024, 12:18 am
Monterrey celebrated a narrow victory over Al-Sadd on Saturday.
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A sensational goal from Argentine Leonel Vangioni helped reigning CONCACAF champion Monterrey to a 3-2 victory over Qatari side Al-Sadd on Saturday to set up a Club World Cup semifinal against Liverpool on Wednesday.

Vangioni struck a left-footed shot from 30 yards in off the post on 23 minutes to open the scoring, with Rogelio Funes Mori extending the lead in first-half injury time and young Mexico international Carlos Rodriguez adding the third 13 minutes from the end.

Al-Sadd, coached by Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, pulled a goal back through Baghdad Bounedjah in the 66th and was pushing for an equaliser before Rodriguez netted Monterrey's third.

Hassan Abdelkarim again gave Al-Sadd hope when he scored with two minutes remaining to set up a nervous ending to the game for Monterrey.

Rayados only had 38% of possession against Xavi's team, but looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

Vangioni's goal flew in off the woodwork after a slow start from Monterrey, who arrived in Qatar on Monday to adapt to the nine-hour time difference.

Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Gabi Fernandez gifted Funes Mori the second when he passed the ball backwards to leave the Argentine unmarked and with a simple finish.

But Al-Sadd started the second half brightly, taking control of possession and pulled a goal back when Bounedjah headed in from a right-wing cross.

Rodriguez's goal appeared to seal the victory for Monterrey, but again Al-Sadd came back, this time via a shot from outside the penalty area from Abdelkarim.

Rayados defeated local rival Tigres in May to win the CONCACAF title. The team is currently undefeated in 14 games and will go up against a Liverpool side that is unbeaten in the Premier League this campaign.