Real Madrid rounded off their short trip to Qatar on Wednesday evening: thanks to a 3-0 win over Pachuca, the first-ever Intercontinental Cup will also find its way into the Real Madrid trophy cabinet. It was also a special evening for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
After the sobering 3-3 draw at Rayo, Real were happy to take a break from the league routine. For Vinicius Junior, the trip had already paid off on Tuesday, as Real’s high-flyer of the past season was named FIFA World Player of the Year 2024. A balm for the battered Real soul after the tussle at the Ballon d’Or.
On Wednesday, the second title of the season followed – and the fifth of the calendar year. It was a very special one for head coach Carlo Ancelotti: it was trophy number 15 for him as Real coach. With this, the Italian has now finally overtaken Miguel Muñoz as the most successful coach in the club’s history. With the triumph in the UEFA Super Cup, Ancelotti had drawn level at the start of the season.
Pachuca started boldly – Mbappé scored again in a final
The opening stages in Doha were dominated by a brave Pachuca side, who reached the final with a 6-5 penalty shootout win over Al-Ahly. The Mexicans were not shy and looked to attack. Rodriguez, who had pushed forward, fired the first warning shot of the game in the 7th minute.
After 15 minutes, Real seemed to have woken up. The Whites took control of the ball and pushed the underdog deep into their own half. In the final third, however, there was a lack of ideas for a long time. Until the 37th minute: after a fine one-two in midfield, it was Bellingham who broke through on the left into the box. Vinicius Junior danced around keeper Moreno and set up Mbappé, who only had to slide the ball into the net.
Mbappé had scored in his second final with Real (2-0 win against Atalanta) – and was back on the scoresheet at the Lusail Iconic Stadium. Exactly two years ago, the Frenchman scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final against Argentina, which ultimately was not enough for his second World Cup title.
Vinicius Junior “redeemed” by penalty
After the break, Pachuca invested more in the game again, without really forcing their way into the goal. Not so Real, who forced the decision with their first offensive scene in the second half: Rodrygo was not marked closely enough, allowing the Brazilian to flick the ball into the right corner for 2-0 (53′).
Former Premier League pro Rondon gave Pachuca a free-kick (67) before Vinicius Junior had the final decision initially let (69). Shortly thereafter, the same picture – and result: Rondon headed over (71), Vinicius Junior failed to beat Moreno (73).
But after VAR intervention, there was a penalty for Real a little later (Vazquez was brought down by Idrissi), which FIFA World Player of the Year Vinicius Junior converted with a bit of luck to make the final score 3-0 (84′). The win could have been even higher, but Vinicius Junior wasn’t clinical enough in front of goal that day.
After the short trip to Doha, Real are back in La Liga action on Sunday. The Blancos host Sevilla , for whom Jesus Navas will play his last game. Pachuca’s football year ends with a final defeat.
