Thursday 27 April 2017, 05:29

CONCACAF kings Pachuca book UAE spot

  • Pachuca the first team to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017

  • Franco Jara is their hero, scoring the second leg's only goal

  • The Mexicans will be competing in the world finals for a fourth time

Pachuca have become the first team to qualify for this year's FIFA Club World Cup after edging Tigres to win the CONCACAF Champions League.

A 1-0 second-leg win gave them a 2-1 aggregate victory, with Franco Jara scoring his sixth of the competition seven minutes from time to settle the outcome.

There was little to separate the sides for much of this all-Mexican final but Pachuca gained a key advantage when Tigres midfielder Guido Pizarro was red carded with 12 minutes remaining.

Oh, it's very beautiful that logo

Just five minutes later, Jara pounced to fire home an opportunistic winner after visiting keeper Nahuel Guzman spilled a long-range shot. The 28-year-old striker picked up the tournament's Golden Ball award afterwards, recognising his status as this edition's outstanding player.

Jara and Los Tuzos will now go on to represent their confederation at UAE 2017, where they will do battle with fellow continental champions from across the world.

Did you know? Pachuca have not lost any of their 16 home games in the CONCACAF Champions League, winning 14 and drawing two.