Pachuca beat Al Ahly on penalties to set up Real Madrid final

December 16 – Mexico’s Pachuca will play Real Madrid in the final of the Intercontinental Cup after defeating Egypt’s Al Ahly in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw. 

In the previous round, the Concacaf champions had eliminated Botafogo of Brazil 3-0, but they were never able to impose themselves against the African champions. After a stalemate and extra time, the Mexicans missed their first two penalties but ultimately came good to clinch the penalty shootout 6-5 and a ticket for the final.