Real Madrid cruised to a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Mexican side Pachuca on Wednesday night, clinching the Intercontinental Club Cup title. The final showdown took place at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, marking another milestone for the Spanish giants.
The goals for Real Madrid came courtesy of Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior, who converted a penalty in the 84th minute. The scoring unfolded in the 37th, 53rd, and 84th minutes, respectively.
Pachuca started the match energetically, creating early pressure on the European champions. In the 6th minute, Rodriguez unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, forcing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into an impressive save, deflecting the shot for a corner kick.
Moroccan star Osama Idrissi posed an early threat, unleashing a strike from inside the penalty area in the 11th minute, only to be denied by a sharp save from Thibaut Courtois. Idrissi later appealed for a penalty in the 15th minute after a clash with Federico Valverde inside the box, but the referee dismissed the claims and allowed play to continue.
Real Madrid gradually took control, with Rodrygo attempting a shot from the edge of the box in the 21st minute, only for it to ricochet off Micolta. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute, when Kylian Mbappé found the back of the net. Vinícius Júnior set up the goal with remarkable composure, dribbling past the goalkeeper and delivering a perfect assist for Mbappé to finish into an empty net.
Mbappé came close to doubling the lead just two minutes later, firing a powerful ground shot from distance that narrowly missed the right post. The first half concluded with Real Madrid ahead, 1-0.
The momentum carried into the second half, as Rodrygo Goes added a second goal in the 53rd minute. He received a precise pass from Mbappé, showcased brilliant dribbling to evade defenders, and unleashed a rocket into the net. Despite a VAR review for a potential obstruction by Jude Bellingham, who was in an offside position, the goal was upheld.
Pachuca sought to respond, with Rondon testing Courtois with a strong shot in the 66th minute. However, the Belgian goalkeeper remained steadfast. Two minutes later, Vinícius tried his luck from inside the box, but his effort went off target.
In the 80th minute, Real Madrid earned a penalty after a VAR consultation confirmed Osama Idrissi had fouled Lucas Vázquez inside the area. Vinícius Júnior stepped up and converted easily, sealing the 3-0 victory for the Spanish giants.
The match ended with a commanding performance by Real Madrid, who showcased their clinical finishing and defensive resilience to claim the Intercontinental Cup title.
