Real Madrid has once again showcased their dominance on the international stage by securing victory against Pachuca at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 Final, held on December 18, 2024, at Lusail Stadium, Qatar. The European champions emerged triumphant with a convincing 3-0 win, reinforcing their storied legacy.
This marked the first edition of the prestigious Intercontinental Cup since its revival, which pits the champions of UEFA against those of other confederations. Real Madrid, having clinched the UEFA Champions League title, faced Mexico’s Pachuca, who fought valiantly through the playoffs after eliminating Brazilian team Botafogo and Egyptian club Al Ahly.
The match kicked off with high expectations and nerves, and it didn’t take long for Real Madrid to set the pace. Within just 37 minutes, Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring. The sensational forward received a beautifully threaded pass from Federico Valverde and executed a dazzling move to bypass the goalkeeper, slotting the ball home with composure. Mbappé's performance was highlighted by his quick footwork and sharp instincts, reminding the fans of his elite status.
Real Madrid continued their offensive onslaught early in the second half, extending their lead to 2-0 just 16 minutes after the break. Rodrygo, another rising star, found the back of the net following a textbook team play. After receiving the ball from Mbappé, Rodrygo deftly maneuvered past defenders before unleashing a precision strike, sending the ball curling past the Pachuca goalkeeper.
The players of Pachuca, though aiming for glory, struggled to find their rhythm against the relentless pressure from Real Madrid. Despite some promising efforts, including attempts from veteran striker Salomón Rondón, they were continually thwarted by the stellar performance of Real’s defense and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Adding insult to injury for Pachuca, Real Madrid converted a penalty late in the match. Vinícius Júnior, showcasing his agility and poise under pressure, stepped up to take the spot-kick after Lucas Vázquez was fouled inside the box. Although the penalty was initially saved, Vinícius followed up rapidly, slotting the ball over the line to secure the final score of 3-0.
The match concluded with jubilant celebrations on the field as the Real Madrid players embraced one another, reveling in their hard-fought victory. This win not only solidifies their standing among the all-time great clubs but also provides tremendous confidence as they look toward future competitions.
Post-match, Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I'm really looking forward to bringing the Intercontinental Cup back to Madrid." Ancelotti praised the efforts of both teams, acknowledging Pachuca’s commendable road to the final by defeating formidable opponents.
Meanwhile, Pachuca will undoubtedly reflect on their incredible run to the final, especially considering their rocky start this season. Having finished 16th in the Mexican league, their performances throughout the cup reveal their resilience and potential.
Players like Rondón, who has had incredible personal form, are left to ponder the missed opportunities, but he remains optimistic about their future endeavors. "We earned our right to be here with our results," he said, referencing their playoff victories. The 35-year-old veteran striker still hopes to influence the Venezuelan national team on the road to the 2026 World Cup, making this cup run all the more meaningful.
The newly introduced Intercontinental Cup format will continue to stir excitement for club football across all continents. While Real Madrid celebrates their 4th title of this nature, the hunger for success remains unsatisfied, with Ancelotti aiming for even more trophies this season.
Soccer fans worldwide watched the thrilling encounter via various streaming platforms, including FIFA+ and DAZN, marking another high point for international club competition. The revival of the Intercontinental Cup not only highlights the competitive spirit among club champions but also cements the stature of international soccer.
Real Madrid's victory at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 will be remembered not just for the scoreline but for the display of skill, strategy, and grit showcased by both teams on this global stage. This final signals the exciting times to come as clubs gear up for their upcoming seasons, fueled by the memories of this thrilling contest.
