Imagine flying halfway around the world to represent your region, losing a game you were supposed to win, playing one more consolation game and flying right back. It's exactly what happened to Club America in 2015 and it nearly happened again this year.
But a double from Silvio Romero helped Las Aguilas come back from a goal down to top Korean side Jeonbuk Motors 2-1, and move into a Club World Cup semifinal against Real Madrid.
Last year's failure against Guangzhou Evergrande had to come into the America players' minds. How could it not? Oribe Peralta, who scored the opening goal in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Chinese side, was among the players who spoke before the match about seeking revenge, about doing right by the proud Mexican club.