Real Madrid beats Pachuca in Intercontinental Cup final

Carlo Ancelotti wins record 15th title with club

AP

Lusail (Qatar), Updated At : 03:20 PM Dec 19, 2024 IST

Real Madrid's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Intercontinental Cup soccer final match against CF Pachuca at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on Wednesday. AP

Real Madrid defeated Mexican team Pachuca 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday, making Carlo Ancelotti the most decorated coach in the club's history. This victory marked Ancelotti's 15th title with the Spanish powerhouse, surpassing the 14 trophies won by both him and Miguel Muñoz, who coached the team in the 1960s and 70s.

“Very happy, it’s a triumph,” said the 65-year-old Ancelotti, who was named men’s coach of the year at FIFA's The Best awards just the day before. “We didn’t get off to a good start but finished well, showing great attitude.”

Madrid claims fourth Intercontinental Cup

Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior each scored a goal as Madrid clinched their fourth Intercontinental Cup title. They previously won the prestigious competition in 1960, 1998 and 2002.

Pachuca, which has never won the tournament, was defeated by the European champions in the final. The competition, which brings together the champions of all six soccer confederations, is being played in a new format after FIFA expanded the Club World Cup to 32 teams for 2025.

Mbappé, Rodrygo, Vinícius seal win

Mbappé, who started after recovering from a left-thigh injury, opened the scoring in the 37th minute with an assist from Vinícius. Rodrygo added a second goal in the 53rd minute, shooting into the corner and Vinícius, named the FIFA men's player of the year on Tuesday, sealed the win by converting an 84th-minute penalty. (AP)