Real Madrid vs Pachuca LIVE!
Carlo Ancelotti has become the most successful manager in Real Madrid history after his side eased past Pachuca in the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. The Italian moved clear of the legendary Miguel Munoz with the 15th major trophy triumph of his two spells in charge as Los Blancos easily defeated Mexican opposition 3-0 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Wednesday night.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring on his return from injury with Madrid’s first shot on target late in the first half, tapping home Vinicius Jr’s assist from close range after a flowing attacking move also involving Jude Bellingham. That lead was doubled after the break after Rodrygo’s fine strike that stood after a lengthy check for offside against Bellingham, who was deemed not to have interfered with play.
Vinicius Jr then celebrated being named as The FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year this week by dispatching a late penalty to set the seal on Madrid’s fifth major trophy win of 2024, following the Spanish Super Cup, LaLiga, Champions League and Uefa Super Cup. Follow Real Madrid vs Pachuca reaction from the Intercontinental Cup final live below!
Real Madrid vs Pachuca highlights
- Ancelotti becomes Real Madrid's most successful manager
- GOAL! Vinicius Jr slots home late penalty
- GOAL! Rodrygo strike stands after long VAR check
- GOAL! Fit-again Mbappe breaks deadlock in first half
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been handing out the losers’ and winners’ medals on the pitch at the Lusail Stadium, where Real Madrid have now lifted the Intercontinental Cup.
Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca
18:56 , George FloodFull-time
A comfortable night’s work for Real Madrid in the end then as goals from Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo either side of half-time and Vinicius Jr’s late penalty sees them brush aside Pachuca and claim glory in the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar.
Their fifth major trophy of 2024, after the Spanish Super Cup, LaLiga, Champions League and Uefa Super Cup.
A significant moment for Carlo Ancelotti, who with his 15th major trophy now moves clear of the legendary Miguel Munoz as the most successful Real Madrid coach of all time.
A great night for Los Blancos all around.
Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca
18:52 , George Flood93 mins: A late booking for captain Rondon rather sums up a frustrating evening for Pachuca.
Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca
18:51 , George Flood90 mins: Three minutes of added time have been signalled in Lusail.
Pachuca think they have a consolation goal as substitute Mena heads in, but the offside flag is up.
Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca
18:50 , George Flood89 mins: Alexei Dominguez and Sergio Hernandez are both on late for Pachuca, in place of Idrissi and Deossa.
Vinicius Jr is sent through and tries to chip Moreno, who is equal to it.
The Brazilian could have had a hatful of goals in this second half.
Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca
18:47 , George Flood87 mins: Vinicius Jr goes close to another late effort before Ancelotti prepares another double change with this game and trophy now firmly in the bag.
Raul Asencio and Arda Guler replace Lucas Vazquez and Bellingham.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Pachuca | Vinicius Jr (pen) 84'
18:43 , George Flood84 mins: Not a great penalty by any means from Vinicius Jr, who goes low and almost down the middle.
Moreno gets his hand on it, but can’t keep it out.
Game, set and match, Real Madrid.
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:42 , George Flood83 mins: After another long look at the replays, the referee does award the spot-kick.
Vinicius Jr to step up and set the seal on Real Madrid’s fifth major trophy win of 2024...
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:41 , George Flood81 mins: Lovely little flick from Lucas Vazquez to bamboozle Idrissi, who looks to trip the Spaniard inside the box.
Referee Jesus Valenzuela says no penalty initially as play goes on, but Real Madrid are incensed.
The VAR will send him to check the monitor again...
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:3978 mins: Brahim Diaz tried his luck a few moments ago, but could not hit the target to put this game firmly to bed for Real Madrid.
Bellingham still largely running the show here, with Modric eyeing a chance to get on the scoresheet late off the bench.
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:36 , George Flood74 mins: A double change from Pachuca now as Uruguayan head coach Guillermo Almada looks to his bench for the first time tonight - slightly surprising given the scoreline, time remaining and their tiring exploits in Qatar already this week.
Carlos Sanchez and Angel Mena replace Luis Rodriguez and Bautista.
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:34 , George Flood72 mins: Wonderful football from Real Madrid as Bellingham combines brilliantly inside the box with Vinicius Jr, who can’t lift the ball over Moreno.
Brahim Diaz’s dangerous low ball into the six-yard box is then hacked clear.
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:30 , George Flood70 mins: What a chance for Pachuca!
Rondon soars high above Tchouameni to connect with Montiel’s enticing cross and whistle a header narrowly over the crossbar with Courtois at full stretch.
So close.
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:29 , George Flood68 mins: Valverde tees us Vinicius Jr for a low shot that is dragged wide of the far post.
Madrid are claiming a deflection and a corner, but a goal kick is given.
Luka Modric is coming on for Los Blancos in place of Rodrygo.
Both Madrid goalscorers now off.
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:27 , George Flood66 mins: This is a positive little spell from Pachuca now and Rondon’s powerful low free-kick from range is tipped away by Courtois.
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:24 , George Flood63 mins: Rondon gives up a foul as he tries to hit back for Pachuca.
An eerily quiet atmosphere inside the Lusail Stadium rather gives this the feel of a pre-season game.
A far cry from the unforgettable 2022 World Cup final held at the same venue.
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:21 , George Flood60 mins: Ancelotti reconfigures his attack on the hour mark, Brahim Diaz on for Mbappe.
A change in midfield too as Dani Ceballos replaces Camavinga.
Vinicius Jr now playing through the middle for Madrid.
Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca
18:1956 mins: More intent now from Pachuca, who have to throw caution to the wind trailing 2-0 with only half an hour remaining.
Courtois gets down well and Fran Garcia also blocks from Deossa.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Pachuca | Rodrygo 53'
18:12 , George Flood53 mins: It’s two for Los Blancos early in the second half!
More incisive passing football around the edge of the box before Rodrygo twists and turns, shifts inside and plants an unstoppable shot into the back of the net.
Excellent. A long way back for Pachuca now.
But hang on, Pachuca are furious and there’s a VAR check for offside against Bellingham, who was clearly in goalkeeper Moreno’s line of sight as he ducked down just before Rodrygo’s shot.
The referee is sent to the pitchside monitor and takes several looks at the replay before announcing to the stadium that he does not feel Bellingham was interfering with play.
Pachuca don’t like it one bit, but the goal stands.
Real Madrid 1-0 Pachuca
18:11 , George Flood51 mins: Deossa’s fierce low drive is diverted behind by a deflection off Fran Garcia.
A reminder for Real Madrid not to get too comfortable here.
Still plenty of time left for a Pachuca fightback.
Real Madrid 1-0 Pachuca
18:0948 mins: Vinicius Jr and Camavinga look to get Madrid going early in this second half.
The referee reaches into his pocket for the first time tonight as Pedraza is rightly booked for pulling back fellow No5 Bellingham in midfield.
Real Madrid 1-0 Pachuca
18:04Back underway in the Intercontinental Cup final!
Can Pachuca find a route back into this match?
It’s looking very much like a game too far this week for the Concacaf Champions Cup holders at the moment.
Real Madrid 1-0 Pachuca
17:56Bellingham-Vinicius Jr-Mbappe.
A lovely team goal from Real Madrid to light up the Lusail Stadium...
MBAPPÉ WITH THE BREAKTHROUGH! 👉⚽️
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) December 18, 2024
1-0 to Real Madrid.
🖥 Watch Real Madrid vs Pachuca: FIFA Intercontinental Cup final live on https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb in selected territories. pic.twitter.com/o0sBOUs2WN
Real Madrid 1-0 Pachuca
17:48 , George FloodHalf-time
Not the best of first-half performances from Real Madrid, but Kylian Mbappe’s 13th goal for the club has them ahead at the interval in Lusail.
They are on track for their fifth major trophy of the calendar year, after the Spanish Super Cup, LaLiga, Champions League and Uefa Super Cup.
Real Madrid 1-0 Pachuca
17:46 , George Flood45 mins: One minute of injury time signalled after Camavinga works his way forward for Madrid but is brushed off inside the box by Barreto and loses his balance.
No question of a penalty, though.
Real Madrid 1-0 Pachuca
17:4542 mins: Luis Rodriguez was briefly down for Pachuca but now looks okay to carry on.
Montiel gets to the byline for the Mexican side, but no one is able to connect with his cross.
Real Madrid 1-0 Pachuca
17:4240 mins: That opening goal has given Real Madrid a new lease of life and suddenly Pachuca are on the ropes.
Mbappe, Valverde and Bellingham all try their luck as Carlo Ancelotti’s men push hard for a second before the interval.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Pachuca | Kylian Mbappe 37'
17:38 , George Flood37 mins: An incisive Madrid attack is finished off by Mbappe!
They work it brilliantly through midfield and Bellingham plays in Vinicius Jr, who goes past the goalkeeper with a couple of nifty stepovers before squaring for Mbappe to guide home from close range.
Brilliant team goal from Los Blancos.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:37 , George Flood36 mins: A final warning from the Venezuelan referee for Pachuca full-back Bryan Gonzalez after he clatters into Rodrygo.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:36 , George Flood35 mins: Referee Jesus Valenzuela quickly stops play after a painful clash of heads between Rudiger and Deossa.
Both men receive some treatment but are quickly back on their feet and fine to continue.
Still just the one attempt on goal for Real Madrid in this first half - can they kick on before the break?
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:35 , George Flood33 mins: Rondon with a low drive for Pachuca that is easily held by Courtois.
Real Madrid break and Moreno denies Rodrygo and clatters into the Brazilian after a Bellingham flick-on inside the box.
The offside flag is eventually up against Rodrygo. Clearly the right decision.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:33 , George Flood31 mins: Far more speed and purpose to some of these Madrid attacks now, though it’s not leading to chances as Mbappe’s low pass inside the box is cleared by the impressive Micolta.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:31 , George Flood28 mins: A much better pace to this game now as Bryan Gonzalez gets to the byline before Camavinga concedes the corner.
High and wide from Bautista from the resulting set-piece.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:28 , George Flood25 mins: Bellingham with some fine touches now as he begins to dictate proceedings, though a ball into the box is easily plucked from the air by Pachuca ‘keeper Moreno.
Still no chances to speak of for Madrid in this low-key first half.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:24 , George Flood21 mins: A fine block from Micolta denies Rodrygo.
The subsequent corner then bounces dangerously off the Ecuador defender inside the box, but Pachuca escape.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:21 , George Flood18 mins: Fran Garcia works his way to the byline for Madrid, but his cutback into the box is hacked away quickly by Micolta.
You sense that Real Madrid are starting to turn the screw just a little here now after a rather lacklustre start.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:18 , George Flood14 mins: Both sides are denied a decision at either end, crucially Pachuca inside the box after a risky challenge from Valverde on Bautista.
Referee Jesus Valenzuela doesn’t think it’s a penalty and the VAR Juan Ernesto Soto Arevalo concurs.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:14 , George Flood11 mins: More danger for Madrid as former Sevilla winger Oussama Idrissi works his way into the box and produces an effort that is tipped behind by Courtois.
Los Blancos break and Vinicius Jr earns a corner that is promptly cleared, before a low Bellingham through ball into the box is crucially cut out.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:10 , George Flood9 mins: Pachuca have been the more threatening side in this opening 10 minutes, Courtois now having to smother bravely at the feet of Alan Bautista inside the box.
Real Madrid yet to get going here.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:09 , George Flood7 mins: The first shot in anger comes from Pachuca full-back Luis Rodriguez, who finds a pocket of space before unleashing an awkward low drive that Courtois has to get down low to his left to tip around the post.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:07 , George Flood5 mins: A foul by Luis Rodriguez on Vinicius Jr doesn’t lead to a Madrid chance, while Mbappe is then penalised for handball to end their latest attack.
A very flat start to this game amid a subdued atmosphere.
Real Madrid 0-0 Pachuca
17:04 , George Flood3 mins: A quiet opening in Lusail, with spells of possession for both sides but nothing doing in terms of any early attacking intent or chances.
A lot of touches in defence and in midfield for Madrid so far.
Real Madrid vs Pachuca
17:02 , George FloodUnderway in the inaugural Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar!
Will Real Madrid win another major trophy in 2024?
Time to find out...
Real Madrid vs Pachuca
16:58The teams are out in Lusail!
Kick-off is imminent.
Venezuela’s Jesus Valenzuela is tonight’s referee.
Vinicius Jr and Carlo Ancelotti win Best FIFA awards
16:50 , George FloodReal Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Carlo Ancelotti both won top prizes at The Best FIFA Football Awards in Doha last night.
Vinicius was named best men's player after his Ballon d’Or snub that led to the club boycotting the ceremony back in October.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti took home the honour for best coach after delivering LaLiga, Champions League and Spanish Super Cup success this year.
Plenty of support for Real Madrid in Qatar tonight, particularly Jude Bellingham it would appear...
Two Pachuca changes from Al Ahly win
16:23 , George FloodPachuca show two changes from the side that started the victory over Al Ahly in Doha on Saturday.
Sergio Barreto replaces fellow Argentine Gustavo Cabral in defence and Colombian Nelson Deossa is in for Alfonso Gonzalez in midfield.
Salomon Rondon leads the line again as expected.
Pachuca lineup
16:12 , George FloodStarting XI: Moreno, Barreto, Micolta, Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Pedraza, Deossa, Montiel, Idrissi, Bautista, Rondon
Carlo Ancelotti on the cusp of making Real Madrid history
16:08It’s a big night for Carlo Ancelotti in Qatar.
If Real Madrid beat Pachuca to win the 15th major trophy of his Los Blancos career, the Italian would move clear of the legendary Miguel Munoz as the most successful manager in the club’s long and illustrious history.
“It’s important for me to have achieved so much with this club,” Ancelotti said this week.
“I believe I’ve done a good job, and I want to continue doing so. It’s an honour to be compared to such great coaches.”
Pachuca's route to inaugural Intercontinental Cup final
15:58 , George FloodTonight is Real Madrid’s first game in the inaugural edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, which has a similar format to the old Club World Cup which of course has now been significantly (and controversially) revamped and expanded and moved to the summer.
However, Pachuca have come through two games to get to the final, beating Brazil’s Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo 3-0 in the ‘Derby of the Americas’ clash in Doha last week before then seeing off CAF Champions League holders Al Ahly on penalties after a goalless draw in the so-called ‘Challenger Cup’ on Saturday night.
Both games brought new trophies to add to the cabinet back home in Mexico.
A peek inside the Real Madrid dressing room at the 88,966-capacity Lusail Stadium, which was built for the 2022 World Cup and hosted that unforgettable final between France and Argentina.
👕🔢 All set in our dressing room!#FIFAIntercontinentalCup pic.twitter.com/qSUM1Lguax
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 18, 2024
Real Madrid draft in Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Camavinga
15:26 , George FloodSo that’s three changes from Carlo Ancelotti to the Real Madrid side who drew 3-3 with Rayo Vallecano in a LaLiga thriller at the Estadio de Vallecas on Saturday night.
It’s full strength from the Italian in his quest for that record-breaking 15th major trophy with Los Blancos, with Kylian Mbappe replacing Brahim Diaz in attack.
Luka Modric and Arda Guler also make way for Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Jr, who was initially named as a substitute at the weekend.
Aurelien Tchouameni continues in defence.
Real Madrid lineup
15:16 , George FloodReal Madrid XI: Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Fran Garcia, Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
Subs: Lunin, Gonzalez, Modric, Guler, Endrick, Vallejo, Ceballos, Brahim, Youssef, Asencio, Lorenzo
Mbappe STARTS for Real Madrid in Qatar
15:14 , George FloodReal Madrid have named their lineup for this evening’s final very early indeed - and it DOES contain Kylian Mbappe.
Stay tuned...
Real Madrid vs Pachuca prediction
15:02Pachuca have certainly done well to get to the final but Real Madrid boast such a strong record in these big games that it’s very difficult to look past them.
Real Madrid to win, 3-1.
Pachuca team news: Rondon to lead attack
14:58 , George FloodPachuca remain without the services of long-term absentee Israel Luna, the young attacking midfielder who is still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury suffered earlier this year.
However, Ecuador defender Andres Micolta is now fit again.
Guillermo Almada’s attack should once again be led by Salomon Rondon, the former West Brom, Newcastle and Everton striker.
Ex-Swansea and Aston Villa forward Borja Baston is also in the current Pachuca squad.
Real Madrid team news: Mbappe expected to play
14:52The main team news storyline for Real Madrid in recent days has been the fitness of Kylian Mbappe, who was forced off early after scoring in last week’s eventful 3-2 Champions League win at Atalanta before missing the six-goal thriller at Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga on Saturday with a thigh muscle issue.
His status for this game initially looked very uncertain as a result, though he was eventually named in the 24-man travelling squad and has trained in recent days.
It remains to be seen if the French superstar will be fit to start in Qatar this evening or have to make do with a place on the bench.
David Alaba and Ferland Mendy are among the Madrid players left at home by Carlo Ancelotti after recovering from injury, while Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain long-term absentees.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Pachuca
14:43 , George FloodTV channel: The game will be broadcast live on beIN Sports and beIN Sports Espanyol, as well as DAZN and FIFA+.
Live stream: beinSPORTS CONNECT will provide subscribers with a live stream online, as well as DAZN and FIFA+.
Real Madrid vs Pachuca live
14:38 , George FloodHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of the inaugural Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar.
Tonight’s showpiece fixture at the Lusail Stadium pits Champions League holders Real Madrid against Concacaf Champions Cup winners CF Pachuca of Mexico, who have come through two previous rounds to tee up a huge clash with the European giants.
There are subplots aplenty for this high-profile game in the Middle East, including Kylian Mbappe’s fitness and Carlo Ancelotti seeking the trophy that would make him the most successful Real Madrid manager of all time.
Kick-off this evening is at 5pm GMT, so stay tuned for all the latest team news, match build-up and live updates.
