Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe Shine as Real Madrid Clinch FIFA Intercontinental Cup

Real Madrid have added another trophy to their vast cabinet after defeating Mexico’s Pachuca FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. It was a largely one-sided affair, with Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior all scoring in the final to hand Los Blancos a comfortable 3-0 win.

The European champions lit up the game in the 37th minute with a goal that was pure football poetry. Jude Bellingham orchestrated the move, slipping a perfectly timed pass to Vinicius Jr. on the edge of the box. What followed was classic Vini magic—he danced past the keeper with effortless flair. But instead of going for glory himself, he unselfishly squared the ball to Mbappe, who coolly slotted it into the empty net. But despite dominating their Mexican opponents in the first-half, Los Blancos held a narrow one-goal lead at the half-time break. 

Just seven minutes into the second half, Rodrygo stole the spotlight with a moment of individual brilliance. Picking up the ball on the edge of Pachuca’s box, he left two defenders bamboozled with clever feints before shifting to his favored right foot. What followed was magic—a breathtaking curler that soared into the top-right corner. Rodrygo’s goal was a real settler for Los Blancos as they cruised to another triumph. After Rodrygo’s goal, Pachuca barely threatened Thibaut Courtois’ goal. However, Salomon Rondon came within inches of reducing Pachuca’s deficit, but his headed attempt flew agonizingly over the bar. 

If there were any lingering doubts about Madrid’s triumph, they were put to rest in the 83rd minute. Lucas Vázquez was brought down inside Pachuca’s penalty area, though the referee initially waved play on. But after a quick VAR review, the official pointed to the spot. It was Vinicius Junior—fresh from being crowned FIFA Best Player—who stepped up to seal the deal. With ice-cold composure, he slotted the penalty into the bottom-left corner. This victory adds yet another jewel to Madrid’s crown. With three titles in the original Intercontinental Cup—the predecessor that pitted European and South American champions against each other—and five Club World Cups already in their cabinet, this latest triumph takes their tally to an unmatched nine global titles. 

Following the win, Vinicius Junior reflected on the triumphant last few days he has enjoyed in Doha. He said, “I'm happy with today's game, and with (winning The Best) yesterday, which was very special. Players always want to be at our best, and last season I was able to win a lot of trophies, and this season so far... Trophies are special.” Vinicius Jr.'s triumphant run in Qatar may have stolen the headlines, but the occasion was equally special for Carlo Ancelotti. Not only did he claim the prestigious FIFA Coach of the Year award, but he also cemented his place in Real Madrid's storied legacy by becoming the most decorated manager in the club's history. Across two brilliant spells in charge, Ancelotti has amassed an enviable collection of silverware: three Champions League trophies, two LaLiga titles, two Copa del Reys, two Spanish Supercopas, three UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups, and now the prestigious Intercontinental Cup.