ABU DHABI: Hosts Al Jazira edged past Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds 1-0 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to set up a Club World Cup semi-final clash with favourites Real Madrid.

The Japanese side had 65 percent possession but it was Ali Mabkhout who scored the winner seven minutes after halftime from a pass by Romarinho in the first all-Asian clash for a final four spot since 2010.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real will take on the Emirati side on Wednesday.

The other semi-final, on Tuesday, will pitch Pachuca from Mexico against Copa Libertadores winners Gremio of Brazil.

Pachuca, the club champion of the Caribbean and North and Central American region, reached the last four with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca after extra time.

Midfielder Victor Guzman headed in a cross by Jonathan Urretaviscaya after 112 minutes against the Moroccans, who were left with 10 men after Brahim Nakach was sent off following a second yellow card in the 69th minute at Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Gremio, like European champions Real, have a bye straight to the last four.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2017