Real Madrid claimed the Intercontinental Cup title with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Pachuca in a one-sided final held at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr secured the win, cementing Real’s dominance throughout the match.
The Champions League winners started strong, controlling possession and creating threats with dynamic play from their attacking trio. The first breakthrough came in the 37th minute.
Jude Bellingham initiated the move with a perfectly placed pass to Vinicius Jr, who skilfully bypassed the goalkeeper and set up Mbappe for an easy finish into the empty net.
Pachuca, the CONCACAF champions, posed sporadic threats early on, with attempts from Oussama Idrissi, Luis Rodriguez, and Elias Montiel testing Real’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
However, Real steadily tightened their grip on the game. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo continuously stretched the opposition’s defence with incisive runs, while Bellingham dictated play with precision passes into dangerous areas.
Rodrygo doubled the lead in the 52nd minute with an impressive individual effort. The Brazilian forward skilfully manoeuvred past two defenders, cut inside, and delivered a curling shot beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
Real’s second goal highlighted their attacking prowess and left Pachuca struggling to mount a comeback.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s manager, made tactical substitutions after the second goal, showcasing the depth of his squad. While the Spanish giants missed a few scoring opportunities, their dominance remained unchallenged.
Late in the game, a penalty awarded after a VAR review sealed the victory. Vinicius Jr confidently stepped up to the spot and delivered a low shot to the right.
Although Pachuca’s goalkeeper, Carlos Moreno, got a hand to it, the strike had enough power to find the net and add the final touch to Real Madrid’s triumph.
The win underscored Real Madrid’s supremacy, as the European champions showcased their blend of individual brilliance and cohesive teamwork. Mbappe praised his teammates after the match, expressing admiration for Vinicius Jr’s form and the team’s collective effort.
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