Real Madrid secured their second trophy of the season, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, with a convincing 3-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca in Doha. Despite Pachuca’s energetic start and early attempts at goal, Real Madrid’s superior quality eventually shone through. Their first real opportunity resulted in the opening goal, a beautifully constructed move culminating in Kylian Mbappe tapping into an empty net after Vinicius Junior’s selfless assist. This set the tone for the rest of the match, with Real Madrid demonstrating their clinical finishing and tactical prowess.
Pachuca, though spirited in their efforts, struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Real Madrid defense. While they did threaten sporadically, especially early in the second half, their attempts were either off target or effectively dealt with by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Mexican side’s best chance came shortly after halftime, a deflected shot from Nelson Deossa that narrowly missed the post. This near miss, however, was quickly followed by Real Madrid’s second goal, further solidifying their control over the match.
Rodrygo Goes extended Real Madrid’s lead with a moment of individual brilliance, cutting inside from the left and curling a stunning shot past Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno. The goal was briefly reviewed for a potential offside involving Jude Bellingham, but the referee ultimately allowed the goal to stand, deeming Bellingham not to have interfered with play. This second goal effectively put the game beyond Pachuca’s reach, though they continued to battle with commendable determination.
Pachuca’s attempts to mount a comeback were thwarted by Real Madrid’s resolute defense and their own inability to convert opportunities. Salomon Rondon’s header that sailed over the bar epitomized Pachuca’s struggles in the final third. Real Madrid’s dominance was further underscored in the closing stages, as they earned a penalty following a foul on Lucas Vazquez. Vinicius Junior calmly dispatched the penalty, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory and securing the Intercontinental Cup for the Spanish giants.
This victory provides a welcome boost for Real Madrid, who have endured a mixed start to their season. Despite their struggles in the UEFA Champions League and sitting third in La Liga, the Intercontinental Cup triumph serves as a reminder of their ability to perform on the big stage. While the early season setbacks have raised concerns, the victory in Doha offers a glimmer of hope and reinforces their ambition to compete for major honors as the season progresses. The trophy also underscores the squad’s depth and resilience, factors that will be crucial as they navigate the demanding schedule ahead.
Kylian Mbappe was undoubtedly the standout performer for Real Madrid, showcasing his exceptional talent throughout his time on the pitch. His intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and creative passing were instrumental in Real Madrid’s victory. Mbappe’s contribution extended beyond his goal, as he consistently created opportunities for his teammates, pulling the Pachuca defense apart with his skill and pace. His performance in Doha further solidified his status as one of the world’s premier footballing talents and highlighted his importance to Real Madrid’s ambitions. This individual brilliance, combined with the solid performances from other key players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, ensured Real Madrid’s comprehensive victory and underlined their potential to achieve greater success in the coming months.
