In a match that underscored their dominance in world football, Real Madrid secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca in the final of the 2024 Intercontinental Cup, held at the iconic Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
This triumph not only added another illustrious trophy to Real Madrid's cabinet but also highlighted the brilliance of key players like Kylian Mbappé, VinÃcius Jr., and Rodrygo, who were instrumental in this win.
Match Overview
From the onset, Real Madrid exhibited their intent to control the game. The match kicked off under the lights of Lusail Stadium, a venue that had previously witnessed the drama of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. Real Madrid, entering the match as the favorites, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Thibaut Courtois in goal, a defense anchored by Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni, and an attack led by the dynamic trio of Mbappé, VinÃcius Jr., and Rodrygo.
Pachuca, the CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, played with tenacity, employing a similar 4-2-3-1 setup with experienced players like Salomon Rondón up front. Despite their spirited performance, the Mexican outfit found it challenging to breach Madrid's well-organized defense.
First Half - Madrid's Mastery
The first half was dominated by Real Madrid's possession and tactical superiority. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when VinÃcius Jr., fresh off receiving the FIFA The Best Men's Player award for 2024, dazzled with his dribbling and provided the assist for Rodrygo's opening goal. The Brazilian, with his characteristic agility, found space inside the box to slot the ball past Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno.
Mbappé, who had returned from injury, was pivotal in midfield orchestration and nearly scored himself, but his shot was well saved by Moreno. The French star's presence on the pitch was a constant threat, stretching Pachuca's defense and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Second Half - Sealing the Victory
The second half saw Real Madrid continue their assault. At the 61st minute, Mbappé made amends for his earlier miss, converting a fine pass from Jude Bellingham into a second goal for Madrid. The French striker's goal was a testament to his recovery and readiness, just a week after a thigh injury sustained in the Champions League.
The match's final nail in the coffin came from a penalty awarded in the 78th minute. VinÃcius Jr. stepped up, but his execution was less than perfect. However, Moreno's save was not firm enough to keep the ball out, allowing it to trickle into the net, thus sealing a 3-0 victory for Madrid.
Key Performances and Tactical Analysis
Kylian Mbappé: His return was nothing short of spectacular. Mbappé not only scored but also played a crucial role in Madrid's attack, showing no signs of rust from his brief injury spell. His performance was a clear indication of his importance to the team, especially in high-stakes matches.
VinÃcius Jr.: Another standout, his recognition as FIFA's best player of the year was justified with his performance. His creativity and speed were too much for Pachuca's defenders to handle, directly contributing to two of the goals.
Real Madrid's Defense: With Rüdiger and Tchouaméni at the back, Madrid's defense was impervious. They managed Pachuca's counter-attacks with ease, ensuring Courtois had a relatively quiet game, despite a few saves that kept the scoreline at zero for Pachuca.
Pachuca's Valiant Effort: Despite the loss, Pachuca's players, particularly Rondón, showed moments of brilliance. Their journey to the final, defeating teams like Botafogo and Al Ahly, was commendable, though they met their match in Real Madrid.
Post-Match Reflections
This victory marks Real Madrid's second trophy of the season, following their Super Cup win. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, with this win, becomes the most decorated coach in Real Madrid's history with 15 titles. The Italian's tactical acumen was once again on display, as he managed to keep his team focused and effective, even with potential distractions from an upcoming Club World Cup and domestic league commitments.
For Pachuca, this match was a learning curve but also a proud moment, having reached a stage where they could compete against one of the world's top teams. Their participation in the tournament has paved the way for Mexican football to gain more international exposure.
Future Implications
Real Madrid's win in the Intercontinental Cup sets them up with momentum as they approach the new Club World Cup format in 2025, where they will face teams like Al Hilal, RB Salzburg, and ironically, Pachuca again. This victory will certainly boost their confidence and prepare them for future challenges.
For Pachuca, the experience gained from this match will be invaluable. They return to Mexico with their heads held high, ready to improve and potentially take on more international challenges in the future.
The 2024 Intercontinental Cup final was more than just a match; it was a showcase of football at its finest, with Real Madrid once again proving why they are considered one of the greatest clubs in football history. Their 3-0 victory over Pachuca was a blend of tactical brilliance, individual talent, and collective team spirit, all under the guidance of Ancelotti's seasoned leadership. As the football world looks forward to the next big events, this match will be remembered for how Madrid, with players like Mbappé and VinÃcius Jr., not only won a trophy but also hearts on a global stage.