Brazil side Flamengo defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal 3-1 in the semifinal of 2019 FIFA Club World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.

The South American champions will face winners of the second semifinal on Wednesday between CONCACAF champions Monterrey or European winners Liverpool in the title clash.

Monterrey had beaten Qatar’s Al Sadd 3-2 in the quarterfinal to set up a semifinal clash with English side Liverpool.

A Bruno Henrique-inspired second-half fightback saw Flamengo through against Al Hilal. The forward scored one and set up two after Salem Al Dossari’s first strike saw the Asian champions threaten an upset.

The Asian champions were quick out of the blocks and impressed as Flamengo struggled to get out of first gear. A great chance for Al Dossari was well-saved by Diego Alves, but the Brazilians were already rocking on their heels and, moments later, Al Hilal achieved the knockdown.

Andre Carrillo spread the ball wide to Mohammed Al Burayk, with the full-back cutting the ball back to the penalty area, and Al Dossari did not pass up this chance.

Flamengo grew in confidence, but always looked fragile on the break.

After half-time, they were a different side altogether. Faster, more cohesive and energised by the threat of an early exit, they were level within four minutes. A slick move saw Gabigol, Henrique and De Arrascaeta combine for the Uruguayan to tap in.

The momentum had swung and while Al Hilal stood strong, in the space of five minutes, their resistance crumbled. Space on the right allowed Rafinha’s pin-point cross to be powered home by Henrique, before he turned provider again, forcing Ali Al Bulayhi to turn into his own net, trying to deny a certain goal.

The late dismissal of Andre Carrillo a minute later ended all possibility of a revival as Flamengo set their sights on the final.