Pachuca beat Wydad Casablanca to reach FIFA Club World Cup semi

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:37 am

Pachuca's Victor Guzman heads in winning goal in FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal against Wydad Casablanca
Pachuca's Victor Guzman heads in winning goal in FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal against Wydad Casablanca
Getty

Mexico's Pachuca booked a place in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a win over Wydad Casablanca in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

African Champions League winners Wydad Casablanca had midfielder Brahim Nackah sent off midway through the second half, but held the match at 0-0 to force extra time.

The Moroccan club came close to forcing a penalty shootout, but Victor Guzman scored with eight minutes remaining to send the CONCACAF Champions League holders through.

Pachuca will face Brazilian club Gremio, recent winners of the Copa Libertadores, in the first semifinal on Tuesday in Al Ain.

Real Madrid, reigning European champions, will face one of either UAE champions Al Jazira or Urawa Reds of Japan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

The final and third-place playoff will both take place on Saturday, Dec. 16 in Abu Dhabi.