Europe’s most successful club overcome Mexico’s Pachuca 3-0 at Lusail Stadium to win FIFA’s new look global club crown.
Real Madrid clinched the Intercontinental Cup title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca in a one-sided final at Lusail Stadium, Qatar, on Wednesday. Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr propelled the European champions to yet another global trophy, reinforcing their legacy as football’s most decorated club.
The Spanish giants showed their class, comfortably outplaying their CONCACAF opponents and rarely appearing in danger despite occasional threats from Pachuca on the counterattack. With this victory, Real Madrid secured their ninth global title, including three trophies from the original Intercontinental Cup format and five FIFA Club World Cups.
Real Madrid’s Domination
Real Madrid approached the final with confidence, dictating play from the outset. While Pachuca had brief spells of attacking intent early on, Real’s experience and superior quality soon took over. The team’s midfield trio, led by Jude Bellingham, controlled the pace of the game, allowing forwards Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Mbappe to create havoc in Pachuca’s defensive line.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute. Jude Bellingham threaded a precise pass to Vinicius Jr, who dazzled with his quick feet to bypass the goalkeeper. Instead of going for goal, the Brazilian unselfishly squared the ball to Kylian Mbappe, who had the simplest task of tapping into an empty net.
Seven minutes after the break, Real doubled their lead with a moment of magic from Rodrygo. The Brazilian forward weaved his way past two defenders, cut inside, and unleashed a curling right-footed shot into the top corner. Pachuca’s goalkeeper, Carlos Moreno, could only watch as the ball soared past him.
Vinicius Jr completed the scoring in the 83rd minute, converting a penalty after Pachuca defender Oussama Idrissi brought down Lucas Vazquez in the box. Although Moreno got a hand on Vinicius’s strike, the power and placement were too much to stop the ball from finding the back of the net.
Vinicius Jr Shines Bright
Vinicius Jr, named Man of the Match, delivered an electrifying performance. The Brazilian winger was instrumental in Madrid’s attack, showcasing his pace, dribbling, and creativity throughout the game. His assist for Mbappe’s opener and his composed penalty underlined his growing influence in Real’s setup.
After the match, Rodrygo heaped praise on his compatriot. “Vinicius is great. He is playing really well right now, and we are pleased to have him with us,” Rodrygo said. “We have a great team and are delighted with this achievement.”
Pachuca’s Efforts Fall Short
Despite the scoreline, Pachuca showed determination, particularly in the opening exchanges. Oussama Idrissi, Luis Rodriguez, and Elias Montiel tested Thibaut Courtois with early strikes, but the Belgian goalkeeper was equal to the task.
As the game progressed, Pachuca’s attempts to counterattack were neutralized by Real Madrid’s disciplined defense, led by Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. Real’s midfield, orchestrated by Bellingham, ensured Pachuca had minimal time on the ball, further reducing their attacking threat.
Real Madrid’s Tactical Mastery
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical brilliance was evident throughout the match. His side maintained control of possession, using Bellingham as the creative hub to deliver precise passes to Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo on the flanks. Mbappe, playing as the central striker, kept Pachuca’s defenders occupied with his sharp movements and positioning.
INTERCONTINENTAL CUP CHAMPIONS! #WorldCham9ions | #FIFAIntercontinentalCup pic.twitter.com/Lt3G02dIjX
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) December 18, 2024
Ancelotti’s decision to make substitutions midway through the second half ensured fresh legs on the pitch, allowing Madrid to maintain their intensity. This approach prevented Pachuca from mounting a late comeback and kept Real’s momentum intact.
Key Match Moments
- 37th Minute: Jude Bellingham’s incisive pass to Vinicius Jr resulted in Mbappe’s simple tap-in for the opener.
- 52nd Minute: Rodrygo doubled Madrid’s lead with a spectacular curling shot after beating two defenders.
- 83rd Minute: Vinicius Jr converted a penalty after Lucas Vazquez was fouled, sealing the victory.
Match Statistics
- Goals: Real Madrid 3 (Mbappe, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr); Pachuca 0
- Shots on Target: Real Madrid 8; Pachuca 4
- Possession: Real Madrid 62%; Pachuca 38%
- Corners: Real Madrid 7; Pachuca 2
Real Madrid’s dominance was reflected in the numbers. Their precision in passing and ability to convert chances highlighted their efficiency. Meanwhile, Pachuca struggled to create meaningful opportunities after the early stages of the match.
A Legacy of Success
With this latest triumph, Real Madrid have once again demonstrated their dominance on the global stage. Their trophy cabinet now boasts a remarkable collection of nine international titles, including the original Intercontinental Cups and the FIFA Club World Cups. This victory further cements their reputation as a club synonymous with excellence and success.
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