by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
Pachuca ran out of miracles in Japan.
Just days after pulling off a memorable comeback victory against African club champions Al Ahly, the Mexican powerhouse could not muster any more magic against South American champion Liga de Quito, which topped Pachuca, 2-0 in rainy conditions in Tokyo to advance to the Club World Cup Final.
Goals by Claudio Bieler and Luis Bolanos punched Liga de Quito's ticket to the final on December 21. Los Albos will play the winner of Thursday's semifinal between Manchester United and Gamba Osaka.
U.S. national team midfielder Jose Francisco Torres played 66 minutes for Pachuca, which will play in the Club World Cup third-place match against the loser of the Gamba Osaka-Manchester United match.
Here are some other stories from this morning and Tuesday.
Real Madrid adds another Diarra
Ravaged by injuries and desperate to salvage a season threatening to slip out of control, Real Madrid has signed a player it is hoping can fill at least one of the voids on the squad.
Real Madrid has agreed to terms with Portsmouth for midfielder Lassana Diarra. Though no official terms have been released, Spanish media is reporting that Madrid is going to pay $13.7 million for Diarra's services.
Blackburn hires Allardyce
Hours after firing former England international Paul Ince on Tuesday, Blackburn interviewed Sam Allardyce. Today, the Rovers announced that Allardyce had signed a three-year contract.
Allardyce, who's had coaching stints with Newcastle and Bolton, takes over a side that's riddled with problems and is currently sitting in 19th place in the Premiership. The 54-year-old will have three games to start turning things around before the winter break.
It'll be interesting to see if Allardyce also makes his debut on "I'm on Setanta Sports" this week.
What do you think about these stories? Is Lassana Diarra a good fit for Madrid? Think Allardyce can prevent Blackburn from getting relegated? Surprised by the Quito/Pachuca outcome?
Share your thoughts below.