Egyptian giants Al Ahly's dreams of conquering the world were ripped to shreds on Tuesday, after Brazilian outfit Fluminense cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory in the Fifa Club World Cup semi-final.
Despite a promising start, the African champions were ultimately outclassed by the young guns of South America, who now march onwards to face either Urawa Reds or Manchester City in Friday's grand finale.
Percy Tau, the talismanic winger who carries Al Ahly's hopes on his shoulders, nearly opened the scoring early on.
But his blistering run was halted by a desperate last-ditch tackle from veteran defender Felipe Melo, setting the tone for a night of frustration for the Red Devils.
Fluminense, under the watchful eye of manager Abel Braga, grew into the game as the half progressed. Their confidence surged in the 35th minute when goalkeeper Fabio produced a stunning one-handed save to deny a powerful header from Mohamed Kahraba.
The turning point arrived with 20 minutes remaining. Tau, in a moment of recklessness, brought down Marcelo inside the penalty box. Colombian winger Jhon Arias stepped up with ice in his veins, dispatching the spot-kick past Mohamed El Shenawy to hand Fluminense the lead.
Al Ahly desperately sought an equalizer, but Tau, once again, squandered a glorious chance. His close-range effort lacked conviction, mirroring the Red Devils' fading hopes.
Substitute John Kennedy then put the final nail in the coffin for Al Ahly, curling home a late second goal to seal Fluminense's emphatic victory.
While Al Ahly's experienced campaigners faltered under the global spotlight, Fluminense's rising stars showcased their youthful exuberance and ruthless finishing.
The newly crowned South American champions now stand one step away from claiming an improbable triumph at the Club World Cup.
Their fairytale journey continues on Friday, and the entire footballing world awaits to see if they can rewrite the script once more.
