Kylian Mbappé played a decisive role in Real Madrid’s commanding 3-0 victory over Pachuca to secure the Intercontinental Cup at Lusail Stadium. This triumph marked the club’s ninth global title, further solidifying their status as one of the most successful teams in football history.
Mbappé, returning to the lineup after recovering from a thigh injury, opened the scoring in the 37th minute. The French forward had been a fitness concern after missing a La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano, but his performance dispelled any doubts. His goal came from a seamless attacking sequence initiated by Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder threaded a pass to Vinícius Júnior, who showcased his flair by rounding Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno before setting up Mbappé for a composed finish. This marked Mbappé’s 13th goal in 23 appearances since joining Real Madrid earlier in the season.
Pachuca, who earned their spot in the final by defeating Botafogo and Al-Ahly, started the match with energy and determination. Early chances fell to Luis Rodríguez, whose effort forced a save from Thibaut Courtois, while Oussama Idrissi and Alán Bautista narrowly missed opportunities to put the Mexican side ahead. Despite their promising start, Pachuca struggled to capitalize on their chances, and Real Madrid’s defensive solidity ensured the match remained in their control.
After Mbappé’s opener, Real Madrid grew into the game with increasing dominance. Federico Valverde came close to extending the lead with a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target, while Bellingham’s header also sailed wide. The second goal eventually came eight minutes into the second half, courtesy of Rodrygo. The Brazilian forward delivered a moment of brilliance, weaving past defenders before unleashing a spectacular strike into the top corner from 20 yards out.
Courtois continued to play a crucial role in preserving Real Madrid’s clean sheet, making vital saves to deny Bryan González and experienced striker Salomón Rondón. Despite Pachuca’s efforts to mount a comeback, they found no way past the Belgian goalkeeper.
Real Madrid sealed their victory in the 84th minute when Lucas Vázquez was brought down in the penalty area by Idrissi. Vinícius Júnior stepped up and converted the penalty with confidence, adding a well-deserved goal to his stellar performance.
This victory adds another chapter to Real Madrid’s illustrious history in international competitions. Having previously won three titles in the original Intercontinental Cup format and five Club World Cups, this latest triumph underscores their dominance on the global stage. The revamped Intercontinental Cup serves as a prelude to the expanded 32-team Club World Cup set to launch next summer.
The players celebrated their achievement with enthusiasm, reflecting on their collective effort. Rodrygo, who scored one of the standout goals of the match, expressed his satisfaction and praised his teammates. He highlighted the impact of Vinícius Júnior, whose creativity and energy were instrumental throughout the tournament.
Real Madrid’s success in Qatar is a testament to their depth, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. With a squad filled with world-class talent, they remain a formidable force in football, poised for further success in domestic and international competitions. This latest trophy not only reinforces their legacy but also sets the stage for future triumphs in the ever-evolving landscape of global football.
