Another silverware for Real Madrid under Ancelotti. Real Madrid FC shared via Facebook.
(The Post News)– Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo De Goes, and Junior Vinicius scored goals to help Real Madrid defeat Pachuca 3-1 on Wednesday in Doha, winning the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
After missing Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano because of a hamstring injury sustained during last week’s Champions League victory against Atalanta, France forward Mbappe made his comeback to the Madrid lineup in Doha. He scored in the 37th minute, opening up the scoring, which was followed by Rodrygo shortly after the second half commenced, extending Madrid’s lead. Late in the game, Vinicius scored a penalty, which secured the win for the Spanish and European champions.
Following some outstanding play by Vinicius Junior, who had won FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year the day before despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Mbappe came in close to break the tie. Although Rodrygo’s exquisite curling goal from the area’s fringe gave Madrid complete control, there was some disagreement around the goal. Even though Jude Bellingham was offside and seemed to be obstructing the goalkeeper’s view, it was permitted to stand when the referee checked the pitchside monitor.
After Lucas Vazquez was taken down in the Pachuca box, Vinicius added a third from the penalty spot six minutes from time after another VAR review. The FIFA-sponsored Intercontinental Cup, which essentially follows the former structure of the Club World Cup, is in its inaugural edition.
The latter will now take place every four years and will be increased to 32 teams in 2025. The European and South American champions participated in a previous iteration of the Intercontinental Cup, which ran from 1960 to 2004. In addition to Red Bull Salzburg and an Al Hilal squad led by Neymar, Madrid is scheduled to play Pachuca once more at the Club World Cup in the United States next year.
On Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti’s team plays their last La Liga match of the year against Sevilla. For the four-team Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia in early January, they will make their way back to the Middle East.
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