Real Madrid secured their fourth Copa Intercontinental title with a resounding 3-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca at the Estadio Lusail in Doha, Qatar, on December 18, 2024. Goals from Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinicius showcased the Spanish giants' dominance, solidifying their position as one of football's elite clubs.
This match was particularly significant as both teams aimed for glory on the global stage. Real Madrid, under the watchful eye of coach Carlo Ancelotti, entered this final as the reigning champions of Europe, winning the UEFA Champions League earlier this year. Pachuca, meanwhile, fought their way to the final with impressive victories over Botafogo and Al Ahly, showcasing their determination and skill.
The final match kicked off at 6:00 PM local time, with Real Madrid quickly asserting their dominance. Just before halftime, Kylian Mbappé found the back of the net, giving his team the early lead they needed to control the match. The French star's skill and composure, coming back from injury, astounded fans and critics alike. This match marked another milestone for Mbappé, who had already made headlines during his debut with the club earlier this season.
After the break, Rodrygo doubled Real Madrid's lead, capitalizing on defensive mistakes by Pachuca. With the clock ticking down, Vinicius solidified the victory by scoring the third goal, capping off what was nothing short of a masterclass from the Spanish rooters.
Reflecting on the win, Ancelotti stated, "La historia del Real Madrid siempre ha estado llena de títulos," emphasizing the club's renowned legacy of success. The win was particularly sweet for him, following challenging times this season due to injuries affecting key players. Despite these setbacks, the manager's confidence paid off as his squad delivered when it mattered most.
The road to this final was filled with challenges for Pachuca, who emerged as surprise contenders. Coached by Guillermo Almada, the underdogs eliminated top teams, including the Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo with ease and secured their place against Real Madrid by edging past Al Ahly through penalties. The intensity of their matches leading up to the final certainly tested their resilience, but Almada remained optimistic about their chances.
"Estábamos un poco agotados por la intensidad que requerimos en el juego ante Botafogo. Felizmente logramos este pase con una maratónica tanda de penaltis," Almada said, recalling the strenuous path leading to the final. His remarks highlight not only the physical demands placed on his players but also reflect the mental toughness required to face giants like Real Madrid.
The stakes were high, and both teams knew the immense value of this title. For Real Madrid, this win added another illustrious chapter to their storied history, as they now have four Copa Intercontinental titles, enhancing their status as one of football’s most successful clubs. Notably, this victory brings their total of international trophies to eight, including five previous Club World Cup titles.
Fans of both clubs tuned in for the highly anticipated match, which was broadcast live around the world. For those unable to attend the match, they followed updates on platforms like FIFA+ and Telecinco, which provided extensive coverage of this prestigious event.
Looking toward the future, Real Madrid aims to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign across domestic and European competitions. The club has had its struggles this season, evidenced by several key injuries, but the victory against Pachuca reignites hopes of claiming more silverware this year. With players like Mbappé and Vinicius returning to form, their aspirations remain high.
The Copa Intercontinental triumph stands not just as a trophy but as a promise of what lies ahead for Real Madrid as they strive to maintain their legacy at the pinnacle of club football. With exciting matches on the horizon, Madridistas are right to feel confident about their team's potential.
Pachuca, on the other hand, will undoubtedly reflect on their tournament run with pride. Despite falling short at the final hurdle, they showcased their capability on the international stage and will build on this experience for future endeavors.
All eyes now turn to the next seasons, with both clubs hoping to replicate or build upon their successes from this iconic match.
