Real Madrid defeated Mexican side Pachuca 3-0 to win the first-ever FIFA-backed Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday in Doha. Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior sealed the victory for the Spanish giants, showcasing their dominance on the global stage.
Mbappe, returning from a hamstring injury sustained in last week’s Champions League match against Atalanta, opened the scoring in the 37th minute.
The French star capitalized on a stunning assist from Vinicius Junior, who had just been crowned FIFA’s Best Men’s Player of the Year. Rodrygo extended the lead early in the second half with a brilliant curling shot from the edge of the box, despite controversy over apotential offside involving Jude Bellingham.
Pachuca, led by former Premier League striker Salomon Rondon, struggled to challenge Real Madrid’s defense. Their efforts fell short, and a penalty awarded to Madrid in the 84th minute after Lucas Vazquez was fouled secured the win. Vinicius calmly converted the spot-kick, cementing Madrid’s victory.
Fede Valverde, speaking post-match, acknowledged the team’s initial struggles due to travel fatigue but praised their adaptability: “We knew that after a long trip and playing just one game it’s hard. We struggled at the beginning, but we adapted well.”
This win marks Real Madrid’s second trophy this season after their UEFA Super Cup triumph in August. It also gives Carlo Ancelotti his 15th title as Madrid’s head coach, making him the most successful manager in the club’s history.
The Intercontinental Cup, which replaces the traditional Club World Cup format, features six continental champions and will expand to 32 teams in 2025. Real Madrid has a storied history in this competition’s predecessors, having won the old Intercontinental Cup three times and the Club World Cup five times.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid is set to face Pachuca again in next year’s Club World Cup in the United States and will return to the Middle East in January for the Spanish Super Cup. The team’s final La Liga match of the year is against Sevilla this Sunday.
Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “I’m very pleased, very happy. It’s a success. That’s more than anyone else.”
