Exactly two years after suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final, France superstar Kylian Mbappe returned to the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, this time wearing the all-white kit of Real Madrid.
However, unlike last time, his night did not end in despair, as Los Blancos convincingly beat FIFA Inter Continental Cup rivals Pachuca to claim their fifth trophy of the year.
Real Madrid, who had qualified for the Intercontinental Cup thanks to their UEFA Champions League triumph last season, were overwhelming favourites to claim the victory against 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Pachuca. Carlo Ancelotti’s side did not exactly come out all guns blazing, but they eventually got into the groove and secured a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr. Secure FIFA Intercontinental Cup for Real Madrid
Mbappe, who had scored a hat-trick for France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, drew first blood for Real Madrid in the 37th minute. After winning the ball in the middle of the park, Jude Bellingham played a slide-rule pass to unleash Vinicius Jr. down the inside left channel. The Brazilian, who is now officially The Best player in the world, sprinted past the defence and beyond the goalkeeper before pulling the ball back for Mbappe in the middle. The ball was a tad behind the 25-year-old, but he superbly adjusted his body to send it into the back of the open net.
Real Madrid's trio 🌟
Vini Jr.: goal, assist
Mbappé: goal, assist
Rodrygo: goal pic.twitter.com/xlY84LfgFV— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 18, 2024
Rodrygo doubled Los Merengues’ advantage in the 53rd minute, with Mbappe turning provider. The Frenchman received the ball from Fede Valverde and passed it to Rodrygo before continuing his run towards the goal. This move drew defenders away from Rodrygo’s path, allowing him the space to dribble and eventually score from a superb curling effort. The Brazilian left three Pachuca defenders in his wake by flicking the ball from his left boot to his right before dispatching his shot.
Real Madrid put the game to bed in the 84th minute, as Vinicius Jr. squeezed the ball in from the penalty spot. Make-shift right-back Lucas Vazquez won the penalty after drawing a foul from Oussama Idrissi.
Mbappe Played a Complete Game Against Pachuca
Vinicius Jr. may have won the Man of the Match award on Wednesday night, but we believe Mbappe was the best player on the pitch until his 62nd-minute substitution. Having just returned from injury, Mbappe put in an excellent shift, going above and beyond to help his team come out on top. He also looked a lot more convincing playing through the middle, with his clever runs tormenting Pachuca defenders from start to finish. He took his goal nicely and his assist was even better.
Before coming off, Mbappe completed 23 accurate passes (85% accuracy), created two chances, pulled off a match-high five dribbles, made two recoveries, and won five duels. A complete game!
