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Real Madrid hammer Pachuca to lift Intercontinental Cup

Staff WritersReuters
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior both got on the scoresheet in Real's Intercontinental Cup win. (AP PHOTO)
Camera IconKylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior both got on the scoresheet in Real's Intercontinental Cup win. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP

Real Madrid have won the Intercontinental Cup after beating Mexican side Pachuca 3-0 in the final, with Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr all scoring.

It proved a largely one-sided contest at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Wednesday, with Real doing just enough and never looking likely to cede control despite allowing their opponents to threaten occasionally from counter-attacks.

It represented a landmark day for Real's Carlo Ancelotti, who became the most decorated coach in the club's history after lifting his 15th title with the Spanish giants, beating the 14 trophies that Miguel Munoz had won in the 1960s and 70s.

"Very happy, it's a triumph," said the 65-year-old Ancelotti, who on Tuesday had also been named men's coach of the year at the FIFA's 'The Best' awards.

"We didn't get off to a good start but finished well, showing great attitude."

The UEFA Champions League winners opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a fine team goal that started with Jude Bellingham passing to Vinicius Jr, who ran past the goalkeeper before putting it on a plate for Mbappe, who tapped it into the empty net.

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Rodrygo extended their lead with a lovely effort in the 52nd minute when he beat two defenders before cutting back inside and curling a fine strike into the top corner with his right foot.

Brazilian Vinicius Jr wrapped up an easy win for Real from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute after Oussama Idrissi fouled captain Lucas Vazquez inside the box.

The inaugural edition of the Intercontinental Cup - effectively replacing FIFA's Club World Cup which will instead take place next summer - involved the winners of five continental club competitions taking part in a knockout tournament.

Pachuca, winners of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, defeated CAF Champions League holders Al-Ahly of Egypt to reach the final.

Having won three trophies in the original Intercontinental Cup - which used to pitch the European and South American champions against each other in the days before the Club World Cup was introduced - and five Club World Cups, Real have now won a combined total of nine global titles.

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