Real Madrid asserted their dominance on the global stage, clinching the FIFA Intercontinental Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca. The match, held at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, showcased the Spanish giants’ attacking prowess and tactical superiority, leaving little doubt about the deserved outcome. Despite facing occasional threats from Pachuca’s counter-attacks, Real Madrid maintained firm control throughout the encounter, ultimately cruising to a comfortable win.
The scoring commenced in the 37th minute with a display of intricate teamwork. Jude Bellingham initiated the move with a pass to Vinicius Jr, who skillfully navigated past the goalkeeper before setting up Kylian Mbappe for a simple tap-in. This opening goal set the tone for the rest of the match, as Real Madrid continued to exert pressure on their opponents.
Rodrygo doubled Real Madrid’s advantage in the 52nd minute with a moment of individual brilliance. He deftly maneuvered past two defenders before cutting inside and unleashing a curling strike into the top corner, leaving the Pachuca goalkeeper helpless. Vinicius Jr, fresh off winning the FIFA Best Men’s Player award, then sealed the victory with a penalty in the 83rd minute, awarded after a foul on Lucas Vazquez. Despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it, the penalty was expertly placed and secured the 3-0 final scoreline.
This latest triumph adds to Real Madrid’s already illustrious history in global competitions. With three previous Intercontinental Cup titles and five Club World Cup victories, this latest win brings their total tally of global titles to an impressive nine. Rodrygo, reflecting on the victory, praised the team’s performance and highlighted Vinicius Jr’s exceptional form, emphasizing his importance to the squad. He also admitted to a moment of anxiety during his goal, fearing Bellingham might be interfering with play, but was ultimately relieved to contribute to the team’s success.
The match also marked a significant personal milestone for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. With this victory, he surpassed the legendary Miguel Munoz to become the most decorated manager in the club’s history, boasting an impressive 15 titles. Ancelotti expressed his delight at achieving this feat, praising his players’ attitude and highlighting the offensive quality of his team. He particularly lauded Vinicius Jr’s performance and acknowledged the contributions of Mbappe and Rodrygo to the victory. The triumph, achieved amidst a demanding season schedule, further cemented Ancelotti’s legacy as one of the most successful managers in the history of the game.
Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid for a second stint three years ago was met with high expectations. Tasked with adding to the club’s already overflowing trophy cabinet, he has undeniably delivered. His managerial prowess is evident in his unique achievement of winning titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. In his second tenure at Real Madrid, he has guided the team to two remarkable doubles, winning both the Champions League and La Liga in two out of three seasons. His list of accomplishments with Real Madrid includes three Champions League titles, two Club World Cups, three European Super Cups, two Spanish League titles, two Spanish Cups, two Spanish Super Cups and now, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, solidifying his place among football’s managerial elite.
