European champions Liverpool defeated Monterrey 2-1 in the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup semifinal at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday.

In the title clash at the same venue on Saturday, English side Liverpool will take on Brazil’s Flamengo who beat Asian champions Al Hilal 3-1 in Tuesday’s semifinal.

It took substitute Roberto Firmino only six minutes of game time to strike the winning goal for Liverpool. Called upon by manager Jurgen Klopp in the 85th minute to replace Divock Origi, the Brazil international turned Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross into the net one minute into second-half stoppage time.

Liverpool dominated possession at the outset, though they struggled to make it count until Mohamed Salah’s unbelievable reverse pass left Naby Keita with the task of slotting beyond Marcelo Barovero in the 12th minute.

The underdogs had not read the script though and struck back almost immediately. Alisson spilled Jesus Gallardo’s effort and Rogelio Funes tapped home the rebound.

The Mexicans burst into life, with Dorlan Pabon twice worrying the goalkeeper from the right flank before the break. The captain continued his one-man siege on the Liverpool goal after the restart, too, as Los Rayados remained bright.

Stout and organised defending from the CONCACAF champions frustrated the usually free-flowing English side, even if much of the packed stadium erupted in nervous excitement every time Salah looked to conjure an opportunity.

The UEFA champions left it late, but broke the deadlock at last through Firmino. The move began with Salah, who raced down the right side toward the end line, controlling the ball in tight space before laying it off to Alexander-Arnold. Firmino coolly beat Barovero to send The Reds to their second FIFA Club World Cup final.