Real Madrid Dominates Pachuca: A 3-0 Victory in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup

On December 18, 2024, Real Madrid made history by winning the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup, defeating Mexican side Pachuca 3-0 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. This victory not only added another prestigious trophy to their collection but also demonstrated their ongoing supremacy in world football.

Match Overview
Real Madrid entered the final as strong favorites, having already triumphed in the UEFA Champions League earlier that year. Their opponents, Pachuca, earned their spot in the final after a hard-fought penalty win over Al Ahly in the Challenger Cup. Despite Pachuca's valiant effort, they were no match for the attacking power and tactical discipline of Los Blancos.

Key Moments

• First Half Breakthrough (37th Minute): Kylian Mbappe gave Real Madrid the lead with a close-range goal after a brilliant team effort involving Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. The French forward's calm finish opened the scoring in what had been a competitive first half.

• Second Half Expansion (53rd Minute): Rodrygo doubled Madrid’s lead with a sensational curling shot from outside the box. Initially flagged for offside, the goal was confirmed after a VAR review, as Bellingham was not involved in the play. Rodrygo’s composed strike added a crucial second goal for Madrid.

• Sealing the Victory (83rd Minute): In the dying minutes of the match, Vinicius Junior sealed the win with a penalty after Lucas Vazquez was fouled in the box. The Brazilian forward converted calmly, ensuring a comprehensive 3-0 victory for the European giants.

Player Performances

• Kylian Mbappe: Making his return from injury, Mbappe’s contribution was vital. His early goal set the tone for the match and highlighted his key role in Real Madrid's attacking play.
• Rodrygo: Rodrygo’s goal was a testament to his growing skill and creativity, further cementing his importance to the team.
• Vinicius Junior: Not only did Vinicius score the third goal from the penalty spot, but his assist for Mbappe’s opener underlined his exceptional vision and playmaking ability.

Conclusion
This 3-0 win was a statement performance by Real Madrid, marking their second major trophy of the season. Under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, the club continues to dominate both domestically and internationally. The victory in Qatar is another chapter in their rich history, reinforcing their position as a global football powerhouse.