Mbappé Shines as Real Madrid Clinch Intercontinental Cup Victory

Kylian Mbappé delivers a stellar performance, scoring a crucial goal to lead Real Madrid to a triumphant Intercontinental Cup victory.

Kylian Mbappe’s first-half goal at Lusail Stadium—the same place where he netted a hat-trick in the World Cup final two years prior—put Real Madrid ahead. Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr then added to the scoreline with goals after halftime.

Late in the first half, Mbappe put Madrid ahead by tapping the ball into the net from close range after Vinicius skillfully maneuvered around Carlos Moreno guarding Pachuca’s goal.

Seven minutes into the second half, Rodrygo doubled Madrid’s lead with a magnificent curling strike from the edge of the box.

The goal was upheld after referee Jesus Valenzuela reviewed the pitchside monitor and concluded that Jude Bellingham, despite being in an offside position, did not interfere with play.

Pachuca captain Salomon Rondon forced Thibaut Courtois to stretch for a long-range free-kick, and later, the 35-year-old former West Brom and Everton striker narrowly missed with a header over the crossbar.

Just one day after being named the men’s player of the year at the FIFA Best awards, Vinicius scored a third goal from a penalty kick following Oussama Idrissi’s foul on Lucas Vazquez.

The first edition of the Intercontinental Cup, serving as a substitute for the FIFA Club World Cup that is scheduled for next summer, featured champions from five continental club competitions in a straightforward knockout tournament.

Pachuca, who won the Concacaf Champions Cup, overcame Al-Ahly of Egypt, the holders of the Caf Champions League, to advance to the final. Meanwhile, Madrid did not participate in any earlier rounds due to their status as UEFA Champions League winners.