Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior were instrumental in Real Madrid’s commanding 3-0 win against Mexican club Pachuca in the final of the Intercontinental Cup held in Doha on Wednesday. Mbappe, making a comeback after a hamstring injury, scored the opening goal in the 37th minute, setting the tone for the match.
Rodrygo and Vinicius Secure Victory
Rodrygo doubled the lead early in the second half with a stunning curling shot, while Vinicius capped off the victory with a penalty in the dying minutes of the game. Vinicius, fresh off receiving the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year award, demonstrated why he’s considered one of the best in the world.
Pachuca’s Uphill Battle
Despite a valiant effort from former West Brom and Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon, Pachuca couldn’t muster the firepower needed to challenge Real Madrid’s dominance. A controversial goal by Rodrygo stood after VAR review, despite questions about offside positioning by Jude Bellingham.
Ancelotti’s Milestone and Madrid’s Future
Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti, expressing relief after what he described as a challenging season segment, celebrated his 15th trophy with the club, surpassing legendary coach Miguel Munoz’s record. This win marks Real Madrid’s second title of the season, following their success in the UEFA Super Cup.
New Format and Future Competitions
This match was the inaugural event of the FIFA-backed Intercontinental Cup, which has taken over from the previous Club World Cup format. Looking ahead, Madrid is set to compete in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup in 2025 in the United States, where they’ll face Pachuca again, along with heavyweights like Al Hilal featuring Neymar.
Upcoming Fixtures
With this victory under their belt, Real Madrid will now turn their attention to their final La Liga match of the year against Sevilla on Sunday, followed by participation in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia in January.
Ancelotti’s remarks reflect optimism for a stronger performance in 2025, suggesting that this win is a stepping stone for the team’s growth and future successes.
