Kylian Mbappe shines as Real Madrid win FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024

Los Blancos won their fourth Intercontinental Cup.

Real Madrid lifted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 after beating Mexico side Pachuca in the final of the competition. Los Blancos found the breakthrough in the 37th minute when Kylian Mbappe tapped home from close range.

The Frenchman was unlikely to take part in the final after suffering an injury in the UEFA Champions League match against Atalanta, but he made a strong comeback with a goal to his name.

Mbappé nearly scored his second goal of the evening before halftime, but his long-range attempt missed. Pachuca began the second half more involved, as neither team made any adjustments at halftime. Fran García deflected Deossa’s extremely threatening shot in the 50′, which ended up in a corner. Thibaut Courtois blocked the shot, which was intended to be going in.

Madrid retreated in an attempt to take advantage of the gaps left by the opposing defence, while Pachuca surged forward in search of a goal with over 30 minutes remaining.

Salomón Rondón nearly scored with a long free kick that was also cleared by the Belgian, and Brian González put Courtois to the test with a cross-shot. Mbappé and Camavinga were replaced by Carlo Ancelotti in the 60′, followed by Rodrygo ten minutes later. Rondón again threatened with a header that struck the crossbar.

The Spanish capital continued its goal-scoring prowess when it doubled its lead through Rodrygo, and Madrid put one hand on the trophy of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Any hopes of comeback for Pachuca were diminished when the Los Blancos were awarded a penalty. Vinicius Junior stepped up to the spot kick and converted it successfully in the 84th minute and Real made sure that they are lifting the trophy.

A few years ago, Argentina delighted with Leo Messi at a “merengue” fiesta in Lusail Stadium. Two decades after FIFA decided to reconstruct the Club World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup was played again, and the white team still holds the title of top winner with four trophies. ‘Carletto’s’ club will play Sevilla in LaLiga at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday to wrap off 2024.

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