Mexican club Pachuca delivered a dramatic victory over Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the FIFA Challenger Cup on Saturday, earning a place in the Intercontinental Cup final against European champions Real Madrid. The nail-biting match at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar ended in a goalless draw after 120 minutes, with Pachuca prevailing 6-5 in a tense penalty shootout.
The win makes Pachuca only the second team from CONCACAF to reach the prestigious final, where they will face Real Madrid on Wednesday. Despite missing their first two penalties, the Mexican side kept their composure to secure their spot in the final and etched another chapter in their storied history.
A Tight Contest Ends in Penalty Drama
The match began with Al Ahly taking control, dominating possession and creating early chances. Despite their dominance, the Egyptian side could not capitalize on their opportunities, thanks to stellar goalkeeping from Pachuca’s Carlos Moreno. Moreno made crucial saves throughout the game, denying Mahmoud Kahraba and Hussein El Shahat as Al Ahly pushed for an opening goal.
Pachuca struggled to find attacking rhythm after a lively first half. Their forwards, including Salomon Rondon and Borja Baston, were kept at bay by Al Ahly’s organized defense. Both teams made tactical adjustments and substitutions in the second half, but neither could break the deadlock, sending the match into extra time.
In the additional 30 minutes, chances were few and far between. The game seemed destined for penalties as both sides looked fatigued, and their attacking efforts lacked sharpness. Al Ahly’s goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy and Pachuca’s Moreno remained pivotal in keeping the scoreline level.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The penalty shootout began with Pachuca under pressure as Salomon Rondon’s shot was saved by El-Shenawy, and Borja Baston sent his effort wide. Al Ahly capitalized on their early lead in the shootout, but the tides turned when Mahmoud Kahraba’s penalty was brilliantly stopped by Moreno. Omar Kamal’s miss further tilted the balance in Pachuca’s favor.
Com vocês… A disputa de pênaltis completa
Emoção a todo instante, REMONTADA DOS TUZOS
O PACHUCA É FINALISTA DO MUNDO#LigaMXBrasil pic.twitter.com/ggs19Kn3BM
— LIGA MX BRASIL (@LigaMexicanaBR) December 14, 2024
As the shootout neared its conclusion, Pachuca’s Faber Gil confidently converted his spot kick to put the Mexican side ahead 6-5. The decisive moment came when Khaled Abdelfattah struck the bar, sending Pachuca into celebrations and leaving Al Ahly in despair.
Carlos Moreno: The Hero
Carlos Moreno was the standout performer for Pachuca, making critical saves during regular time and emerging as the hero in the shootout. Reflecting on the victory, Pachuca coach Guillermo Almada said, “It was difficult, very complicated, especially because of the marathon game we played today. We’ll try to get the players back on their feet and go into the final with all the motivation in the world.”
Midfielder Pedro Pedraza also praised Moreno, stating, “Confidence is the last thing to die. We had confidence in our team and Carlos, who became the star. He deserved it, and it’s because of him we won the championship [CONCACAF Champions Cup].”
Pachuca’s Journey to the Final
This marks Pachuca’s fifth appearance in a FIFA competition, with their best showing coming in the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup, where they finished third. The team’s journey to the Intercontinental Cup final has been one of resilience and determination, epitomized by their victory against Al Ahly.
Almada’s men will now prepare for their toughest test yet as they face Real Madrid, the most successful team in the history of the competition. The Spanish giants have won the Intercontinental Cup five times and are heavy favorites to add another title to their collection.
Al Ahly’s Missed Opportunity
For Al Ahly, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. The Egyptian side started the match strongly but failed to convert their dominance into goals. Despite their disappointment, Al Ahly can take pride in their performance, particularly their defensive solidity and midfield control.
The loss will undoubtedly spark questions about their ability to deliver in high-pressure matches, but the team remains one of Africa’s most decorated clubs and will look to bounce back in future competitions.
Looking Ahead: Pachuca vs. Real Madrid
The Intercontinental Cup final promises to be an enthralling encounter as Pachuca take on Real Madrid at the Lusail Stadium. Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, bring a wealth of experience and star power to the table. Players like Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo are expected to lead the charge for Los Blancos.
For Pachuca, the final represents a chance to make history as the first CONCACAF team to win the Intercontinental Cup. The Mexican side will rely on their defensive solidity, the heroics of Carlos Moreno, and the tactical acumen of coach Guillermo Almada to defy the odds.
As the world watches, Pachuca’s clash with Real Madrid will be a testament to the global appeal of football and the thrilling unpredictability of international club competitions. The stage is set for a memorable showdown in Qatar.
READ NEXT:
