Salomon Rondón is poised to lead Pachuca against Real Madrid in the highly anticipated Intercontinental Cup final, scheduled for December 18, 2024, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. This matchup marks a significant milestone for the veteran forward, who is determined to overcome his previous lack of success against the Spanish giants.
Having faced Real Madrid five times previously with only one draw and four losses, Rondón has yet to find the back of the net against them. His historical performances against Madrid, paired with recent struggles, add extra motivation as he prepares for this high-stakes encounter.
Throughout the year, Rondón has shown remarkable form, scoring 27 goals and providing six assists across all competitions. This impressive performance has solidified his reputation as Pachuca's key player, following triumphs such as scoring the final goal during the team’s 3-0 victory over Botafogo to secure their spot in the Intercontinental Cup final.
Rondón's reflections on his time with Pachuca reveal his excitement for competing on such a prestigious stage. “The team is very excited. Playing in an Intercontinental final is extremely important for any player,” he stated. His long footballing career has taken him across several continents, but this match offers an opportunity for both personal and team glory.
The forward is no stranger to tough defenders, having played against notable players like Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk and Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger previously. Rondón anticipates facing Rudiger again and emphasizes his experience with the German defender's physical style. “I have faced him a couple of times in England. I know he is quite annoying and likes to bother the forwards. It is his way of playing and he is respected,” Rondón shared. He plans to approach the game with the joy of childhood innocence, stating, “At this stage of my career, I will enjoy it like a child.”
Interestingly, Rondón’s personal life adds another layer of complexity to the match. His eldest son has developed a fondness for Real Madrid, often donning their jersey and cheering them on. Rondón respects his son’s admiration for the club, but this dynamic fuels his desire to prove himself, making the match even more poignant.
Connecting the dots, Real Madrid enters the final as the current champions of the UEFA Champions League, marking their direct qualification to this showdown. Managed by Carlo Ancelotti, the team boasts an illustrious history but has faced ups and downs this season, including criticisms of their inconsistent form. Ancelotti has staunchly defended his team, stating, "They are all equally important. The key is to think more about ourselves than the opponent," pointing to the need for tactical cohesion.
The match offers both clubs the chance for glory, but Pachuca's young team appears resolute. Rondón believes they need to treat Real Madrid as equals if they are to emerge victorious. “Without taking away from Madrid’s merits, it will depend on how we approach the match,” he noted.
The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await what promises to be more than just another game; it’s Rondón’s bid for redemption and Pachuca’s moment to shine on the world stage. The final will not only test the skills of the players but also their determination to challenge the status quo of football dominance.
With the eyes of the world upon them, Rondón and Pachuca are set to deliver what could be one of the most thrilling matches of the season. Fans from both sides are left wondering whether this will be the moment Rondón finally breaks his curse against Real Madrid, or if the Spanish powerhouse will continue to assert their dominance over the Venezuelan forward. One thing is certain: both teams will converge with everything on the line, and the stakes could not be higher.
