Real Madrid and Pachuca are set to clash at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Wednesday night for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. The tournament, rebranded from the FIFA Club World Cup, pits the reigning champions of Europe and CONCACAF against each other for global football supremacy. While Real Madrid is the heavy favorite, Pachuca enters with hopes of delivering a stunning upset.
Real Madrid’s Road to the Final
Real Madrid qualified for this competition as the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, having defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final at Wembley in June. Goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr secured their victory, further cementing their dominance in European football.
Domestically, however, Los Blancos have shown signs of inconsistency. A 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao in early December was followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano last Saturday. Goals from Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo were not enough to secure a win, leaving them third in La Liga, one point behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Summer signing Kylian Mbappe has had a subdued start at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite his incredible potential, he is yet to fully settle into Carlo Ancelotti’s system. However, Mbappe’s return from injury could prove pivotal in this final.
Pachuca’s Journey to Qatar
Pachuca took a more challenging route to the Intercontinental Cup final. After finishing their Liga MX Apertura campaign in 16th place, the Mexican side arrived in Qatar with much to prove.
They announced their presence with a commanding 3-0 win over Brazilian champions Botafogo, with Oussama Idrissi, Nelson Deossa, and Salomon Rondon finding the back of the net. In the semifinals, Pachuca edged past African champions Al Ahly in a dramatic penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Carlos Moreno saving the decisive spot-kick.
Team News: Real Madrid
Real Madrid travels to Qatar with a 24-man squad, including Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to return after recovering from a thigh injury. However, injuries to key defensive players remain a concern for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are sidelined for the season, while Ferland Mendy and David Alaba are unavailable for this match.
Ancelotti is likely to rely on Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni in central defense, with Lucas Vazquez potentially filling in at right-back. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde will spearhead the midfield, while Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo lead the attack alongside Mbappe.
Predicted Real Madrid Starting XI:
Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Garcia; Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
Team News: Pachuca
Pachuca will depend on their defensive structure and counterattacking threats to challenge Real Madrid. Andres Micolta, who returned from injury in October, is expected to start, while goalkeeper Carlos Moreno will look to replicate his heroics from the semifinal.
However, Pachuca remains without defensive midfielder Israel Luna, who is recovering from a long-term cruciate ligament injury. Their attacking hopes rest on Salomon Rondon’s ability to lead the line and Oussama Idrissi’s creativity on the flanks.
Predicted Pachuca Starting XI:
Moreno; Rodriguez, Cabral, Micolta, Gonzalez; Montiel, Pedraza, Deossa, Bautista, Idrissi; Rondon
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Tactical Outlook and Match Analysis
Real Madrid’s attacking lineup, featuring Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, and Rodrygo, is expected to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game. Jude Bellingham’s playmaking and Valverde’s dynamism in midfield provide the creativity and energy to break down Pachuca’s defense.
Pachuca’s strategy will likely revolve around staying compact and exploiting counterattacking opportunities. Salomon Rondon’s physical presence and ability to hold up play will be crucial, while Idrissi’s pace on the wings could trouble Madrid’s backline.
The Mexican side will also lean heavily on Carlos Moreno’s shot-stopping abilities to keep them in contention. However, with Madrid’s attacking firepower and depth, Pachuca faces an uphill battle.
Key Players to Watch
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): Despite a slow start to his Madrid career, Mbappe’s return adds a new dimension to their attack. His pace and clinical finishing could be decisive.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): The Englishman has been instrumental for Madrid, combining creativity with a knack for scoring crucial goals.
- Salomon Rondon (Pachuca): The experienced forward has been a key figure for Pachuca, with his physicality and finishing ability making him a constant threat.
- Carlos Moreno (Pachuca): The goalkeeper’s standout performances have been pivotal in Pachuca’s journey, and he will need to be at his best against Madrid’s star-studded attack.
Prediction and Betting Insights
- Winner Prediction: Real Madrid
- Goals Galore (GG): Yes
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
Real Madrid’s quality and depth make them overwhelming favorites to lift the trophy. While Pachuca has shown resilience, they are unlikely to withstand the relentless pressure of Madrid’s attacking trio.
Predicted Scoreline: Real Madrid 3-1 Pachuca
Real Madrid is expected to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities, but Pachuca’s counterattacking ability could see them find the net at least once. Expect an entertaining clash with goals from both sides, but ultimately, Los Blancos’ superior class should secure them the title.
Key Stats
- Real Madrid has won five of their last seven matches across all competitions, showcasing strong form.
- Pachuca has kept two clean sheets in their last three Intercontinental Cup matches, despite struggling defensively in Liga MX.
- This is the first competitive meeting between Real Madrid and Pachuca.
- Vinicius Jr has been involved in seven goals in his last eight matches, underlining his importance to Real Madrid.
This historic final at Lusail Stadium promises a mix of flair, resilience, and individual brilliance as Real Madrid aims to assert their dominance, while Pachuca seeks to make history with an unforgettable upset.
