Club America earn comeback win over Jeonbuk Motors, score Real Madrid chance

Silvio Romero scored twice as Club America came from a goal down to beat Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and set up a date with European champions Real Madrid in the semifinals of the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup.

Las Aguilas went into the game with a measure of confidence having reached the 2016 Liga MX Apertura final last weekend, and they started well, with Bruno Valdes and Oribe Peralta coming close to grabbing the opener.

But Jeonbuk gradually worked their way into the game with their forwards finding their feet. In the 23rd minute, Park Won-Jae combined with Kim Bo-Kyung, who rifled in the breakthrough.

Moments later, Jeonbuk goalkeeper Hong Jeong-Nam had to pluck Silvio Romero’s strike from long-range as America’s best first half chance to equalize went begging.

In the second half, Club America were a shadow of the side from the first period, but Las Aguilas turned to Michael Arroyo. The Ecuadorian was instrumental in America’s equalizer as he picked out Silvio Romero to head in the 1-1.

With Romero tormenting the Jeonbuk defense, Club America earned a corner in the 74th minute. Romero completed the comeback when his volley was deflected into the back of the net.

Jeonbuk made for a tense conclusion, but at the final whistle, Las Aguilas held on to move to the semifinals of the competition.

Club America next will take on Real Madrid on Thursday at International Stadium Yokohama.