Kylian Mbappe led Real Madrid to Intercontinental Cup triumph with a goal in their commanding 3-0 victory over Pachuca at the Lusail Stadium. Despite fitness concerns leading into the match, the 25-year-old Frenchman delivered a clinical performance, taking his tally to 13 goals in 23 appearances since his move from PSG.
Rodrygo added a stunning second goal, while Vinicius Jr sealed the win with a late penalty, earning Carlo Ancelotti his 15th trophy as Real Madrid manager.
Mexican side Pachuca, who had reached the final after a 3-0 win over Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo and a penalty shootout victory against Al Ahly, made a spirited start. Luis Rodriguez forced an early save from Thibaut Courtois, while Oussama Idrissi and Alan Bautista had opportunities to give the underdogs a surprise lead.
However, Real Madrid broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with a dazzling team move. Jude Bellingham started the attack with a perfectly weighted pass to Vinicius Jr, who dazzled the Pachuca defense with stepovers before rounding goalkeeper Carlos Moreno and pulling the ball back for Mbappe to finish with ease.
Madrid nearly doubled their lead before the break as Mbappe and Federico Valverde sent shots just wide, and Bellingham’s header missed the mark. Eight minutes into the second half, Rodrygo extended the advantage with a sensational 20-yard strike into the top corner.
Courtois was called into action again, making key saves to deny Bryan Gonzalez and former Premier League forward Salomon Rondon, as Pachuca refused to back down. But Real sealed the win in the 84th minute when Lucas Vazquez was brought down in the box by Idrissi, allowing Vinicius Jr to convert from the spot.
The victory secured Real Madrid another prestigious title and underscored their dominance on the global stage.
