Real Madrid has triumphed at the Intercontinental Cup, earning them another prestigious trophy after defeating the Mexican side CF Pachuca 3-0 at Lusail Stadium, Qatar, on December 18, 2024.
Under the astute leadership of manager Carlo Ancelotti, the team has solidified its status as one of the top football clubs globally. With this victory, Ancelotti secured his 15th trophy with Real Madrid, making him the club’s record holder. Until this landmark win, he shared the record with the legendary coach Miguel Muñoz, who led the club from 1960 to 1974.
The match marked Real Madrid's fourth victory at the Intercontinental Cup, which is now positioned as the successor to the former Club World Cup format. This tournament brought together the champions from six continental football federations. Unlike previous editions where the Champions League winners had to play through several rounds, Real Madrid advanced directly to the finals as the reigning European Champions.
The match began cautiously, with Pachuca, the winners of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, pressing forward and creating dangerous chances. Spanish referee Jesús Valenzuela disallowed a penalty appeal from Pachuca after players fell inside the box, and then denied another close attempt from Rodrygo shortly after. Just when it seemed unsettled for Real, the tide shifted dramatically.
Mbappé showcased his prowess, opening the scoring with precision play just before halftime. He converted a fine setup by Vinicius Junior, who dazzled with his dribbling, creating space for Mbappé to slide the ball home. This goal not only propelled Real Madrid forward but also highlighted Mbappé's return to form following recent fitness concerns.
Following the break, Real quickly doubled their lead, showcasing their attacking flair. Rodrygo, utilizing his speed and technique, danced past two defenders and curled the ball beautifully from the edge of the penalty area. The Brazilian’s effort reinforced Madrid's dominance on the pitch.
Vinicius Junior later solidified the lead when he converted a penalty awarded for a foul on captain Vázquez, marking the third goal of the match. Throughout the game, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois emerged as the unsung hero of the night. He was called upon several times to make significant saves; even when Pachuca seemed to gain momentum, Courtois stood firm, maintaining a clean sheet.
The significance of this victory extends beyond the trophy itself. It showcases the depth and quality of Real Madrid's squad, setting the tone for the remainder of the season, where they have been somewhat inconsistent. With this latest title, they now have won five trophies this calendar year, adding to their haul including the Champions League and the Spanish Supercup.
Real Madrid continues to set the bar high as they welcome both their successes and the challenges of the current season. The triumph at the Intercontinental Cup serves as another notch on the belt for Ancelotti’s squad, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of excellence on the field.
