Real Madrid etched their name in football history once again by securing their fourth Intercontinental Cup title since 1960. With a 3-0 triumph over C.F. Pachuca, the victory marked another milestone for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who became the most decorated manager in Real Madrid’s storied history with 15 trophies to his name.
The match, held on an electrifying night, saw goals from Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo, demonstrating the attacking brilliance of Real Madrid’s formidable front line.
Table of Contents
First Half: Early Challenges, Mbappe Shines
The opening minutes proved challenging for Real Madrid, as they struggled to create opportunities in the final third. Pachuca took advantage early, testing Thibaut Courtois with a shot on target in the 6th minute. However, the Belgian goalkeeper stood tall, denying the Mexican side.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Kylian Mbappe, returning from an ankle injury, scored the opener. Assisted by Vinicius Jr., Mbappe showcased his signature composure, slotting the ball into the net and giving Los Blancos the lead.
Second Half: Dominance Ensues
Real Madrid returned with renewed energy after the break. In the 53rd minute, Rodrygo added a second goal, receiving a sharp one-touch pass from Mbappe. The Brazilian forward displayed exceptional skill, maneuvering past the defense before calmly finishing.
Despite Pachuca’s efforts, they failed to capitalize on their half-chances. Real Madrid maintained control, dictating the tempo with precise passing and solid defense.
Vinicius Jr. sealed the victory in the 84th minute, converting a penalty with confidence. The goal capped off a dominant performance, ensuring Real Madrid’s historic win.
Match Statistics
| Stat | Real Madrid | Pachuca |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Possession | 65% | 35% |
| Total Shots | 12 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 4 |
| Big Chances | 0 | 2 |
| Big Chances Missed | 0 | 2 |
| Accurate Passes (%) | 639 (91%) | 286 (80%) |
| Fouls Committed | 14 | 13 |
| Corners | 6 | 5 |
Player Ratings
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Thibaut Courtois | 8.1 |
| Lucas Vázquez | 7.3 |
| Aurélien Tchouaméni | 7.0 |
| Antonio Rüdiger | 7.1 |
| Fran García | 7.9 |
| Federico Valverde | 8.0 |
| Eduardo Camavinga | 7.7 |
| Rodrygo Goes | 8.4 |
| Jude Bellingham | 7.9 |
| Vinícius Jr. | 8.9 |
| Daniel Ceballos | 7.5 |
A Historic Win
With this emphatic victory, Real Madrid showcased their dominance and flair. The contributions from Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo highlighted the strength of their attacking trio, while Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical expertise solidified his legacy as the club’s most successful manager.
Real Madrid’s fourth Intercontinental Cup title is a testament to their enduring excellence and ability to perform on the grandest stages. The club continues to set benchmarks in world football, leaving fans eager for what’s next.