Monterrey lean on goalkeeper Luis Cardenas to win third-place at the 2019 Club World Cup

Monterrey finished second place in the Club World Cup for the second time in club history as los Rayados beat AFC Champions League winners Al-Hilal 4-3 on penalties.

Antonio “Turco” Mohamed’s men came into this match following a heartbreaking defeat to Liverpool in the Semifinals, but a third-place duel against the Asian champions seemed like the perfect opportunity for the Mexican side to finish the tournament on a positive note.

However, Monterrey went behind after 35 minutes when a cross down the left-flank side finished with Carlos Eduardo putting the Saudi side in front.

Al-Hilal were by far the side with more control of the ball, but Monterrey drew level when Arturo Gonzalez headed into an empty net after the Al-Hilal were unable to clear los Rayados’ initial effort.

Monterrey built on the goal almost immediately, and Maxi Meza soon put the Mexican side in front.

Despite the momentum being firmly in Monterrey’s side, a cross six minutes later would find Batefimbi Gomis, who would head in the equalizing goal.

Gomis would then have a chance to give the Saudi side the lead, but the frenchman saw his best effort hit the woodwork.

With no extra time in between, the match went straight to penalties where it would be Monterrey goalkeeper Luis Cardenas who would be the hero of the match. Cardenas would go on to save two penalties and then score the match-winning spot kick to give the Liga MX side a deserved bronze in the 2019 Club World Cup.