Real Madrid captured the FIFA Intercontinental Cup title on Wednesday with a decisive 3-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar. This win not only marks another trophy in Real Madrid's storied history but also highlights the growing prominence of the newly formed competition, which seeks to crown the top football club internationally.
The match kicked off at 14:00 (local time) and proved to be particularly significant, as it was the first major outing for Real Madrid since star player Vinicius Jr. was honored as the FIFA World Player of the Year just the day before. Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s squad entered the tournament with high hopes, bolstered by recent performances and the return of Kylian Mbappé from injury.
Leading up to the match, Madrid's confidence was palpable after they had previously secured their place directly to the final, having been crowned UEFA Champions League champions. Meanwhile, Pachuca made their way to the final after two impressive wins over Botafogo (3-0) and Al Ahly, the latter decided by penalties.
When the final whistle blew, it was clear Real Madrid had come out firing on all cylinders. Goals from Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinicius, the latter securing his score from the penalty spot, displayed the team's dominance over Pachuca. This victory adds to the collection of trophies for Real Madrid, whose track record now includes numerous spans of success on both domestic and international stages.
Fran García, the full-back for Real Madrid, highlighted the significance of the victory, noting, “This title reflects our hard work and commitment this season, and it's fantastic to celebrate with my teammates.” This latest achievement marks García’s fifth title with Real Madrid, complementing his honors from last season's La Liga, Champions League, and Supercopa de España triumphs.
Despite the scoreline, Pachuca approached the match with energy and determination. Their head coach, Guillermo Almada, had emphasized the physical toll of their recent matches, stating, “We have had very few holidays. We’ve been trying to inject intensity, and we hope to compete strongly on this stage.” Unfortunately, as the match wore on, Pachuca seemed to lose steam and could not keep up with the relentless pressure exerted by the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid's tactical approach, characterized by swift transitions and attacking play, paid off. Ancelotti fielded a team featuring key players, including the likes of Courtois, Valverde, and Bellingham, who all contributed significantly to the team's cohesive performance. The reintegration of Mbappé following his thigh injury was particularly notable, as he played full minutes and was instrumental on the field.
The game concluded with jubilant celebrations for Real Madrid, who not only triumphed but did so convincingly against their opponents. Ancelotti, reflecting on the match, said, “The team played with confidence and determination; this is how we aspire to play every game. Such victories are what we strive for with every match and tournament.”
The win means Real Madrid now holds the record for the most FIFA Club World Cup titles, previously triumphing on multiple occasions before this newer competitive format launched. The day marked yet another historic chapter for the legendary club.
Fans globally flocked to watch the match, with major broadcasting channels including Globo, SporTV, and CazéTV sharing the event live. The intercontinental success of Real Madrid continues to resonate within footballing circles, as many now wonder where their next title march will lead the team.
Looking forward, Ancelotti and his squad are now faced with the challenge of maintaining this momentum throughout the season, keeping their focus on the league and upcoming Champions League matches. The commitment shown by each player at the Lusail Stadium reflects their ambition as they set out to dominate both domestic and international competitions.
With their star lineup and the backing of passionate supporters, Real Madrid embarks on the next chapter, optimistic about what lies ahead. This match not only served as a reminder of their exceptional capabilities on the field but also showcased their unyielding desire to reclaim their spot at the top of global football.
