Club América faced LAFC in California with the final spot at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup up for grabs.
The two sides were meeting in a playoff game with the earner set to replace León at the event, who had been kicked out for violating dual ownership rules.
One week on from their Clausura final defeat to Toluca, Club América were looking for an instant opportunity to bounce back if they could get the win against the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup runner-up.
The deciding match
Despite playing away from home, the BMO Stadium was draped in yellow and blue in support of the Mexican side. Capitalising on that overwhelming support, América were awarded a penalty on the hour mark after Marco Delgado caught Erick Sánchez on the follow-through of an effort on the edge of the box, with a lengthy VAR check handing André Jardine's men the chance to take first blood.
In front of the yellow and blue brigade, Alejandro Zendejas stepped up and sent the 'keeper the wrong way to give the 16-time Liga MX champions a crucial lead.
As time ticked away, nightmare struck for América, who were unable to defend a late corner from LAFC as Igor Jesus nodded beyond Luís Malagón to force extra time.
Five minutes before the dreaded penalty shootout, the game took a last and final turn when a Denis Bouanga effort from distance took a wicked deflection to beat the helpless Malagón and send the MLS side through to the FIFA Club World Cup.
What does this means?
The result means that LAFC will head to the FIFA Club World Cup instead of Club América. Representing North America, the Los Angeles side will accompany the Seattle Sounders, Pachuca and Monterrey in the competition.
FIFA revealed that there's a total prize pool of $1billion on the line for this competiton, with all North America participants set to recieve a minimum of $10million just by qualifying.
It's been a heavy week for Club América and all its fans. League finals defeat last week, now failing to qualify for the Club World Cup. For all their successes over the last 18 months, these past seven days will hurt everybody associated with the club.
Which North America side will go the furthest at the FIFA Club World Cup? Let us know!
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