Pachuca started the game well and had the first real chance after 12 minutes only for Sanchez to fire well wide after a cut-back from the left.

The Mexicans went even closer four minutes later as they hit the woodwork. Jonathan’s floated free kick from deep was inadvertently headed against his own post by an Al Jazira defender, before Sagal headed the rebound into the ground and onto the roof of the net.

Luck continued to desert Pachuca in fron of the goal early on as Jara fluffed his lines when meeting Manni Garcia’s cross, before Sagal fired a low effort inches wide after cutting inside his man on the right.

All the chances were going Pachuca’s way though and it seemed only a matter of time before they opened the scoring, which they duly did with 37 minutes played.

Khalfan failed to clear when he had the chance and Urretaviscaya was sent racing in behind, showing great pace and composure to get to the ball first and prod into the far corner.

They could have doubled that lead shortly afterwards as Sagal headed narrowly side of the far post, but Pachuca were made to do with a one-goal lead at the half.

The champions of the UAE made a better start to the second half as they pushed Pachuca back and they drew level after 57 minutes as Al Shamsi fired home a loose ball after both Romarinho and Boussoufa had been denied.

The lead didn’t last long though as Pachuca hit back immediately. Sagal was found in space down the left and his low cross was perfect for Jara to sidefoot home.

The game became stretched at this point, with both sides aware that the next goal would be key and it proved to be the case, with Pachuca sealing victory with 11 minutes left to play. Substitute De La Rosa was sent racing away immediately after coming on and he kept his cool to slot home.

It threatened to get embarrassing for Al Jazira late on as Pachuca stepped up their performance.

Pachuca were awarded a penalty after Rashid was adjudged to have pushed De La Rosa and Sagal duly stepped up to make it 4-1 and end any faint hopes of a comeback for Al Jazira.

K. Mubarak

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