LUSAIL, December 18, 2024 - Carlo Ancelotti became the most successful coach in the 122-year history of Real Madrid as his European champions defeated Mexico’s Pachuca 3-0 to win the new Intercontinental Cup.
The competition had been launched this year by FIFA with a series of playoffs between champions of the regional confederations playing off for the right to meet Europe’s champions and decide a calendar replacement for the Club World Cup.
Next summer the Club World Cup will be revived in the United States in a 32-club event to be staged once every four years. Madrid will be in the mix there, too.
Italian Ancelotti, 65, has now led Madrid to 15 major trophies, one more than Miguel Munoz who captained the club to their first European Champions Cup wins and then managed Real to 14 titles: two European Cups, one World Club Cup, nine league titles and two Spanish Cups.
Ancelotti is in his second spell in charge at the Estadio Bernabeu. He returned three years ago in succession to Carlo Ancelotti and has added his Madrid record to his status as the first manager to have captured titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues — England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France. He has also guided Madrid to two Champions League and LaLiga doubles in three seasons.
Mexican club Pachuca, the CONCACAF champions, had defeated the Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo, 3-0 and then Egypt’s Al-Ahly on penalties to reach the final. They made the brighter start with Thibaut Courtois saving well from Oussama Idrissi, Luis Rodriguez and Elias Montiel before Madrid took control with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr (penalty.
Ancelotti said: “So many titles! I’m delighted. I really liked the attitude from the players. Up front, we had a lot of quality. Kylian Mbappe had a good game, Rodrygo scored the second, Vinicius Jr had a great game. Offensively we did well. We are very happy to win a title far from home and in the middle of a busy season.”
TEAM GOAL
Madrid went ahead in the 37th minute with a fine team goal that started with Jude Bellingham passing the ball on to Vinicius who outstepped goalkeeper Carlos Moreno before squaring for Mbappe to pop the ball into the empty net. Mbappe has scored 13 goals in 23 appearances since joining from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Rodrygo extended their lead in the 52nd minute after outwitting two defenders, cutting back inside and curling the ball into the top corner with his right foot. Vinicius wrapped up victory from a VAR-directed penalty in the 83rd minute after Oussama Idrissi tripped captain Lucas Vazquez inside the box.
Madrid thus secured a ninth overall global title.
Vinicius was voted man of the match and the tournament 24 hours after being hailed as world footballer of the year in FIFA’s The Best awards.
He said: “It’s been an important week for me. This is for all the players who have played with me since I was a child and especially for those at Real Madrid. They have done everything for me, they give me freedom and help me every day to do great things for the team and for this great club. I hope we can continue like this for a long time.
TOP TARGETS
“Every game we play is about winning, especially if it’s a final. We always want to be at the top. This trophy isn’t just any trophy, we’ve been crowned the best club in the world. I hope we can continue like this for a long time and continue making history with this shirt.
“The team follow what history demands, which are great titles. Not all players can wear this shirt or have the opportunity to play for the best team in the world. We are chosen, it is something unique that few players have been able to achieve.”
Victory was also a record-extending 28th with the club for veteran Croatia midfielder Luka Modric. His 12-year tally includes six European Champions Leagues, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four leagues titles, two Spanish cups and five Spanish Super Cups.
