Real Madrid Clinches Intercontinental Cup with 3-0 Victory

Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca in the inaugural Fifa Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring late in the first half at Lusail Stadium, tapping in from close range after Vinicius Jr. rounded Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno. Rodrygo extended Real Madrid’s lead early in the second half with a stunning curling shot from the edge of the box.

A pitchside review confirmed the goal with referee Jesus Valenzuela ruling that Jude Bellingham, standing in an offside position, did not interfere with play. Pachuca captain Salomon Rondon tested Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a long-range free-kick but Courtois saved it. The 35-year-old former Premier League striker also sent a header just over the bar.

Vinicius Jr., fresh off being named Fifa’s men’s player of the year sealed the win by converting a penalty after Oussama Idrissi fouled Lucas Vazquez. The Fifa Intercontinental Cup replacing the Fifa Club World Cup for this year saw the winners of five continental club competitions compete in a knockout format.

Real Madrid as Uefa Champions League winners bypassed the earlier rounds while Pachuca having won the Concacaf Champions Cup, reached the final after defeating Al-Ahly, the Caf Champions League holders. The win further bolstered Real Madrid’s strong start to the season with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. continuing to shine in their attack.