Real Madrid to face UAE's Al Jazira in FIFA Club World Cup semi-final

Peter Staunton

Real Madrid to face UAE's Al Jazira in FIFA Club World Cup semi-final image

Real Madrid will play UAE Arabian Gulf League champions Al Jazira in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday. 

Al Jazira, managed by former Barcelona and Chelsea coach Henk Ten Cate, edged out AFC Asian Champions League winners Urawa Red Diamonds at the quarter-final stage in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night. 

A single Ali Mabkhout goal in the second half from a pass supplied by Romarinho was the difference between the teams. 

Madrid fly to UAE on Sunday having trashed Sevilla 5-0 in their final La Liga game before commencing their FIFA Club World Cup campaign. 

Former Madrid star Lassana Diarra is on the books of Al Jazira but is not included in their squad for this tournament. He is expected to depart the club in the next transfer window. 

In the other semi-final, Copa Libertadores champions Gremio will play Mexico's Pachuca on Tuesday in Al Ain. Pachuca qualified for the semis after winning the CONCACAF Champions League and beating African representatives Wydad Casablanca in the quarter-finals. 

Peter Staunton

Peter Staunton Photo

Peter Staunton is Goal’s Chief Correspondent, responsible for news, analysis and interviews from all angles of the game, primarily covering the big stories in the Premier League and Champions League. He has been part of the Goal team since 2008 and has been to multiple World Cups, European Championships and Champions League finals as well as interviewing some of the game’s biggest names, including Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pele. He has appeared as a guest and analyst on outlets such as BBC Radio 5 Live, the Totally Football Show, CNN, TalkSPORT and RT.