Real Madrid claimed the Intercontinental Cup title after defeating Pachuca 3-0 in the final held at Lusail Iconic Stadium, Qatar, on December 18, 2024. This match marked the return of the tournament, which had been inactive for 20 years, as FIFA restructured its global competitions.
The match commenced at 20:00 Moscow time with both teams demonstrating their strengths. Although Pachuca started strong, it was Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe who opened the scoreline at 37 minutes, converting with ease after receiving a clever assist from Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid continued to dominate, showing their skill and determination throughout the game. The second half saw Rodrygo double their lead with a spectacular strike at the 53rd minute, which was followed by Vinicius’ successful penalty kick at the 84th minute, sealing the match at 3-0.
This victory not only reaffirms Real Madrid’s status as one of the premier teams globally but also earns them their fourth Intercontinental Cup title, putting them at the forefront of this prestigious competition.
While Madrid celebrated their achievement, Mexican side Pachuca fought valiantly but found it challenging to breach Madrid's defense. Notably, they had a goal disallowed due to offside, which could have altered the mood of the match considerably.
Despite the defeat, Pachuca's players, including former Russian league standout Robert Rondon, expressed pride. Rondon stated, "We arrived here as champions of CONCACAF and leave as champions of America. We aimed to show our best side," highlighting their remarkable run to reach the final.
The Intercontinental Cup match has generated excitement among fans returning to competitive football rivalry after the pandemic and restructuring of FIFA's tournament formats.
The night was also significant for Real Madrid, who brought all their stars to Qatar, including players like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Luka Modric, showcasing their deep talent pool.
With the match concluding, it has been evident how Real Madrid’s strategic play and efficient finishing marked the difference against Pachuca, displaying their credentials on the global stage.
Looking forward, this triumph could serve as momentum for Real Madrid as they continue their season, aiming for more trophies both domestically and internationally.
