AL AIN CITY, United Arab Emirates (AP) South American champion River Plate was upset by Al Ain FC in the Club World Cup on Tuesday, losing in a penalty shootout after the semifinal finished 2-2 following extra time.
Al Ain’s players converted all five penalty kicks, before goalkeeper Khalid Eisa saved Enzo Perez’s fifth shot for River to seal a 5-4 victory in the shootout.
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River endured the humbling loss to the team from United Arab Emirates less than two weeks after thrilling its fans with a memorable win over fierce Argentine rival Boca Juniors in the final of the Copa Libertadores.
Real Madrid plays Kashima Antlers on Wednesday in the other semifinal.
Marcus Berg put Al Ain ahead in the third minute before Santos Borre scored twice to give River the lead in the 16th.
Brazilian forward Caio pulled Al Ain level at 2-2 in the 51st.
Gonzalo Martinez had an opportunity to put River back in front from the penalty spot after Mohamed Ahmad fouled Milton Casco in the area. But Martinez hit the 68th-minute spot kick against the crossbar.
The final is on Saturday.
#MundialDeClubesTD ¡Terrible error de la defensa y Marcus Berg sorprende a @CARPoficial! pic.twitter.com/sBIyESG1y1
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) December 18, 2018
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