This Wednesday evening at 17:00 (GMT), Real Madrid take on Mexican club Pachuca at Doha’s Lusail Stadium for the Intercontinental Cup, the old version of the Club World Cup. Madrid, who have an exceptional record, are aiming for their ninth world title and a new trophy to cap an already remarkable 2024.
Real Madrid have the chance to end 2024 with another trophy, their second this season. Madrid arrive at this Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca with confidence boosted by their recent exploits. Reigning European champions, they have already won four major trophies in 2024: the Champions League, the European Supercup, La Liga and the Spanish Supercup.
Carlo Ancelotti has made no secret of his desire to go down in the club’s history even further. A win tonight would make the Italian the most successful coach at Real Madrid. Don Carlo will thus surpass all the iconic figures who have gone before him.
Pachuca, outsiders ready to surprise
Pachuca, on the other hand, are not about to be intimidated by Real Madrid’s aura. Although their current Mexican league position (16ᵉ place) is unflattering, the Mexicans have shone throughout this Intercontinental Cup.
First they eliminated Al Ahly in the semi-final after a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out. But before that, they outclassed Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo by a convincing 3-0 scoreline. The Pachuca players are approaching this final with a winning mentality, well aware of the scale of the task awaiting them against the Madrid giants. Their coach declared.
For Real Madrid, this final is an opportunity to consolidate their status as the kings of world football and win a second trophy this season. With stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr and Mbappé, Madrid have all the weapons they need to make a difference.
Here is Real Madrid’s official line-up against Pachuca
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defence: Vazquez, Rüdiger, Tchouameni, Garcia
Midfield: Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham
Attack: Vinicius Jr, Mbappé, Rodrygo
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