Real Madrid 3-0 CF Pachuca: Match review | OneFootball

Real Madrid were crowned champions of the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, in what turned out to be a relatively easy 3-0 victory.

No changes were made to the expected lineup, with Eduardo Camavinga making his first start since returning from injury.

Pachuca initially showed that they were not there to be just pinned down, as right-back Luis Rodriguez took a powerful shot from outside the box and forced Thibaut Courtois into making a save.

Real Madrid took time to grow into the game, but when they did, they showed why the rest of Europe still fears them despite a topsy turvy season so far.

A play began from Eduardo Camavinga, who played a short pass to Fede Valverde with the Uruguayan keeping things simple and passing it to Jude Bellingham who looked ahead and laid a well-timed through ball to Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian – with all the precision and skill in the world – beat the defenders, went over the keeper and played a simple ball for Kylian Mbappe to put in the back of the net.

Real Madrid then began to threaten Pachuca’s goal even further as they ended the half five total shots on target.

The Mexican side for a brief moment during the half time break may have thought that they still have a chance and with the way they were playing, Pachuca had the ability to spring a surprise.

But those plans were put to bed by Rodrygo, who had the ball on his left foot, turned over, shifted it to his right foot and finessed the ball into the right corner to have sealed the game.

Despite only around 35 minutes left, Pachuca did threaten to score, forcing Courtois to get into action more than what he was expecting.

The match was surely done and dusted in the 82nd minute when Lucas Vazquez won a penalty, which was converted easily.

Real Madrid sealed the deal but also, it was Kylian Mbappe, Vini and Rodrygo – the trio – involved in all the goals. This truly was something Madrid fans were aching to witness.

Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged how they took control of the game gradually and went to finish on a positive note too.

The Italian also broke a record, becoming the manager with most trophies in Real Madrid history, winning his 15th title in Qatar.

Los Blancos won 5 trophies this year, ending yet another successful one and with the way this team is beginning to gel and play, there’s no doubt there is more to come.

Next up, Real Madrid will now face Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu in what will be their last match of 2024.