SOUTH American champion River Plate was upset by Al Ain FC in the Club World Cup on Tuesday, losing in a penalty shootout after the semifinal finished 2-2 following extra time.

Al Ain’s players converted all five penalty kicks, before goalkeeper Khalid Eisa saved Enzo Perez’s fifth shot for River to seal a 5-4 victory in the shootout.

River endured the humbling loss to the team from the United Arab Emirates less than two weeks after thrilling its fans with a memorable win over fierce Argentine rival Boca Juniors in the final of the Copa Libertadores.

River coach Marcelo Gallardo said his team lacked the focus it needed for the game, especially coming after its huge victory over Boca.

“The issue was our level of concentration against a rival that on paper was inferior,” Gallardo said. “It was a dangerous match for us and when we let down our guard they were able to tie. But the party must continue because what we achieved was historic.”

Real Madrid plays Kashima Antlers in the other semifinal the following day. (SD-Agencies)