MIAMI, Florida – Club Leon of Mexico narrowly fell 1-0 to Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan in their quarterfinal match-up of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup on Friday night at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
It marks the end of the Club World Cup debut for the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup winners.
It was a cagey, even first half from the two sides, with scoring chances at a premium. William Tesillo was among the most active of the Club Leon players in trying to help unlock attacking players like Lucas Romero, Federico Vinas and Alfonso Alvarado.
Club Leon were content to try to strike in transition with their speedy wing and attacking players, but Urawa Red Diamonds would be the ones to break the deadlock, as Alex Schalk received a pass from Jose Kante and fired in a right-footed shot past Club Leon GK Rodolfo Cota for a 1-0 lead to Urawa Red Diamonds in the 78’.
Club Leon had little time to attempt to find an equalizer and it became even more difficult in the 84’ when Tesillo received a second yellow card, leaving La Fiera with 10 men for the final stages of the encounter.
Cota made a sensational save to deny Schalk in the 89’ in a one-on-one situation to keep Club Leon within a goal.
The Liga MX side mounted some late pressure in second half stoppage time and Vinas had the best crack at goal with a late header, only to see it spin wide and out of play, leading to the final whistle.
