Pachuca makes history by advancing to the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after defeating Al-Ahly of Egypt in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing their place against Real Madrid.
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the match took place at Stadium 974 in Doha, where after 120 minutes of nail-biting football, the game ended goalless, leading to the tense penalty shootout where Pachuca triumphed 6-5.
Guillermo Almada, the coach of Pachuca, reflected on the emotional toll of the match, stating, "We were a bit exhausted from the intensity we required against Botafogo. Fortunately, we secured this passage after a marathon of penalties, but at the end of the day, what matters is the character shown for this win, which is very important for us.”
Pachuca's defensive strategy was put to the test against Al-Ahly, after they had previously showcased their attacking flair with a commanding 3-0 victory over Botafogo, the Copa Libertadores champions. This prior match had bolstered their confidence going forward, making their semifinal exit even more significant.
During the semifinal, Pachuca started with Andrés Micolta playing the full match and Ángel Mena entering as a substitute at the 56th minute. Micolta's contributions on the field were pivotal, and he did not falter during the lengthy extra time. Mena, on the other hand, showed his potential with several attempts but was swapped out just before penalties, raising concern among fans when he appeared to be nursing his hamstring at the end of regulation.
The penalty shootout was anything but straightforward for Pachuca. After missing their first two attempts, it seemed their chances were slipping away. Yet Al-Ahly squandered their opportunities as well, with two missed penalties themselves. The shootout intensified as both teams faced the pressure. Finally, it came down to the last kick from Al-Ahly's Khaled Abdelfattah, who missed, handing Pachuca the victory.
Almada acknowledged both the defensive strength and offensive deficiencies of his team. “We maintained defensive security, which deserves recognition, though we lacked the ability to weave plays from midfield to generate scoring opportunities,” he remarked, underscoring the team's need for improvement before their final showdown.
Pachuca’s upcoming final against the formidable Real Madrid is scheduled for December 18, 2024, at 12:00 PM local time. “Facing Real Madrid will be very complicated because of the marathon of football we had today. We’ll focus on recovery to approach this decisive game with full motivation,” Almada emphasized with resolve.
With the stakes so high, Pachuca's players and fans alike are brimming with anticipation and hope as they prepare to take on the Spanish giants. The team’s triumph against Al-Ahly not only set the stage for this climactic encounter but also reignited their aspirations for international glory, with Micolta and Mena at the forefront of the action.
Looking back at the match, Almada noted the challenges faced but remained optimistic about his squad's potential. “We know we have the required skills, and our commitment will be key,” he stated, rallying his players as they gear up for the historic match.
Two days remain until this monumental clash, and the excitement is palpable. Both players and fans are eager to see if Pachuca can make history by clinching the Intercontinental Cup title against one of the most storied clubs in football history.
With determination and spirit, Pachuca is ready to rise to the occasion and give their all on the pitch, as they attempt to etch their name alongside the all-time greats.
