In a spectacular night at Lusail Stadium, Qatar, Real Madrid triumphed over Pachuca with a commanding 3-0 victory, securing the 2024 Intercontinental Cup title. Goals from Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior showcased the Spanish club’s supremacy, as they overcame an initially aggressive Mexican side to lift yet another prestigious trophy.
Table of Contents
- Pachuca’s Aggressive Start
- Madrid Takes Control and Breaks the Deadlock
- Pachuca Fights Back, Madrid Seals the Win
- A Historic Year for Real Madrid
Pachuca’s Aggressive Start
Pachuca caught Real Madrid off guard in the opening minutes with an intense, high-press strategy. The Mexican side dominated the early exchanges, forcing mistakes from Madrid’s midfield. Pachuca created the first shot on target when Luis Rodríguez launched a long-range effort, only to be denied by Thibaut Courtois’s sharp reflexes.
However, Real Madrid gradually adjusted and began to control possession, pushing Pachuca deeper into their half. As the momentum shifted, the Spanish giants started dictating the game’s rhythm, while Pachuca relied on counterattacks to create opportunities.
Madrid Takes Control and Breaks the Deadlock
Real Madrid’s breakthrough came in the 37th minute, as Vinícius Júnior received a through ball and dazzled with a signature dribble past goalkeeper Carlos Moreno. The Brazilian then delivered a perfect assist to Kylian Mbappé, who calmly slotted the ball into the net for the opening goal.
The second half saw Madrid solidify their dominance. In the 53rd minute, Mbappé set up Rodrygo on the edge of Pachuca’s penalty area. The Brazilian forward cut past two defenders with a slick feint before curling the ball into the top corner, doubling the lead with a stunning strike.
Pachuca Fights Back, Madrid Seals the Win
Despite the setback, Pachuca showed resilience. Salomón Rondón tested Courtois twice within five minutes, first with a free kick that the Madrid goalkeeper heroically saved and later with a header that narrowly missed the target.
The decisive blow came in the 81st minute, when referee Jesús Venezuela awarded a penalty to Real Madrid after VAR confirmed a foul by Oussama Idrissi on Lucas Vázquez. Vinícius Júnior converted the penalty with a powerful strike, sealing Madrid’s victory and putting the game beyond reach.
Pachuca’s last-ditch efforts included a disallowed goal by Ángel Mena for offside, as the Mexican side bowed out as valiant runners-up.
A Historic Year for Real Madrid
This triumph marked Real Madrid’s fifth trophy in a remarkable 2024 season, adding to their Spanish Super Cup, La Liga, Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup titles. The team’s dominance was further highlighted by individual accolades, with Carlo Ancelotti winning The Best Coach award and Vinícius Júnior named Best Player in the World.
While Pachuca fell short of the ultimate prize, they earned admiration for their spirited performance against one of football’s most dominant teams.
Real Madrid ends 2024 on a high note, reaffirming their status as global football’s elite and etching another chapter of glory in the Intercontinental Cup history.
A passionate content creator specializing in viral trends, fashion, beauty, and news. With a keen eye for the latest in style and pop culture, Dilshan Senarath delivers fresh, engaging insights that keep audiences informed and inspired. Expertise in curating viral stories with style and impact.
